How To Make A Good First Impression (2024-25)
10 min video loop, 3 video channels
The work is a critique of surveillance capitalism and the use of predictive algorithms in determining our everyday behaviours, which are then manipulated in order to generate capital by corporations. In the video loops, the artist can be seen obsessively practicing handshakes, tone of speech and gestures, in order to perfect their first impressions with other individuals. The fifth channel is a conversation of the artist with ChatGPT, with the latter advising the artist on ways in which they can create a good first impression. The work is thus based on the insecurity of the artist and human beings in general regarding human interactions and the fear of being left alone, which are emotions that are capitalised upon by dating apps and social media. The abstraction through the screens and technology ensure that the viewer can never capture the entire essence of the artist and their full self - a mimicry of contemporary human relationships.