A few problems (self-portrait)
One’s own identity is often constructed in dialogue with others. Hence, can one speak for oneself about oneself? This video creates a portrait that emerges solely from messages of others, which have been captured as screenshots over the course of the last few years by myself: An incomplete mashup of chats on Grindr & advices on Co-Star.
Messages on dating apps, personalised advertisements on social media, recipes found on websites, a recap of my taste in music over the year, and emails that were sent to me serve as a somewhat insufficient overview which questions self-authenticity and representation. The script of the video solely stems from a patchwork of screenshots which unintentionally creates a personal narrative, allowing the viewer to empathise—despite the uncanny appearance of the character which guides viewers through a web of digitalised information.
Looking back on when we first met
I cannot escape and I cannot forget
Baby, you’re the one
You still turn me on
You can make me whole again
Script (excerpt)