bitter

dirt, spit, cinnamon wax, heart-s​haped chocolate box, teddy bear, voice recording/playback device, 20 s​econd recording of a couple fighting, a red rose, gasoline, red sheet, woven basket, criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. 2014.

in lieu of valentine’s day, i created a gift basket of “chocolate” in a heart­shaped box, a small teddy bear, and a single rose. upon first glance it seems like an ordinary gesture for a valentine, yet when the viewer interacts with the piece, they are surprised to find that each element has toxicity to it.

the chocolate is made of a mix of spit and dirt, and covered it with cinnamon scented wax. inside the teddy bear's chest is a sound device, sewn up with a small heart over it. the rose is freshly dipped in gasoline so that it remains alive for the initial presentation of the installation.

“bitter” is inspired by toxic relationships and how they may appear sweet on the surface, but in truth, are unhealthy. the action of having the viewer interact to see the toxic undertones is similar to how only an intervention of a relationship would call attention its flaws.