Description
Limerence is an exhibition of figurative ceramics and technology that examines contemporary views on romantic love through the combination of mythology, science, construction and personal experience. The type of "love" I am specifically interested in is the infatuation and obsession that typically defines the beginnings of relationships. This idea is more accurately described by the psychological term "limerence". The limerence will fade eventually and love will change. Understanding that phenomenon can be very liberating. Amongst the common perceptions of love, there seem to be a few irreconcilable differences. Love can be the source of the most intense pleasure, but it can also be seen as a symptom of weakness, dependency, and neediness, or love could simply be a concept originated by and idealized throughout culture. By examining and questioning my own understanding of limerence in the modern world, I hope to form a connection and camaraderie with the viewer through shared experiences. By applying research and science to the mythology of love I am attempting to debunk some of the unrealistic expectations so often placed on relationships. There are three different series or individual works in the Limerence exhibition. The first is a grouping of three large busts based on the Greek myth "the origin of love" as described by Aristophanes. The second is a large head sitting low to the ground, inspired by both the myth of Medusa and a scientific study by Dr. Arthur Aron on how to induce feelings of feelings. The third is a series of seven female figures cut in half to reveal their inner mechanisms. As the viewer interacts with each figure the electronic components come to life in a variety of ways in an attempt to display and recreate the internal feelings of love. Throughout the exhibition, I hope to entice the viewer to consider the connections between the creation of ideals, the scientific approach to intimacy and limerence, culturally induced expectations, and the mythology of love in the modern era. The art exhibition for Limerence was held in the University Art Gallery, School of Art and Design at San Diego State University from April 11th through April 21st, 2016.
