Are You Surreal?! plays on the familiar phrase “Are you for real”, which questions the authenticity of something and is often used to express disbelief or astonishment. In contrast, Are You Surreal? references surrealism and the depiction of dreamlike, unreal situations. It suggests something that exists beyond the boundaries of reality; something born from the imagination.
The research project Are You Surreal?, currently being developed in collaboration with FFFORM studio, aims to gather knowledge and insights into how emotions and meanings associated with relationships, connections, and loneliness can be translated into visual artworks. The objective is to make these complex themes more accessible and discussable for individuals who, due to their personal experiences, may find it challenging to relate to them in an outspoken or rational manner.
Are You Surreal? seeks to create an inviting, approachable experience for the audience that stimulates a sense of connection, intimacy, and loneliness. This process relies on the interaction between the work and the viewer, with the audience’s participation playing a crucial role in bringing the work to life.
The project emphasizes experimentation with sensory and responsive materials, aiming to highlight the sensory experiences related to connection, intimacy, and loneliness. Through the interaction with these materials, the project investigates how feelings of connection, longing for intimacy, and loneliness can be expressed and evoked in visual artworks.
At the core of this research lies the development of sensory and responsive materials that prioritize sensory experiences. The focus is on discovering which interactive elements can encourage active engagement from the viewer or wearer. Additionally, the project explores how form, texture, color, and movement within a fluid material palette can express the intensity of these sensory stimuli, ultimately aiming to enhance the emotional impact and accessibility of the artworks.
The development of Are You Surreal? is made possible through the generous support of Stimuleringsfonds and Stichting Stokroos, whose funding contributes to the research and experimentation central to this project.