imaginary frenemies
Imaginary Frienemies is a series of interactive objects that represent my own decades-long-struggle with mental health and self-care, along with the distinct brand of nostalgia that I harbor for these struggles. The forms are inspired by the tactile and visual stimulants of some of my favorite toys as a child, all of which invoke painful memories that feel like home.
By creating these objects and offering them up for interaction, I aim to explore and challenge our tangled perceptions of material and sentimental value. Combining functional and visual qualities of a toy with the intimacy and intricacy of body adornment encourages viewers to embrace the pain of nostalgia, rediscover the child within them, and to perhaps discover something about themselves through play and unhindered self-expression.
