Smiles No Teeth: a video proposal
Three participants, one child, one adult male and one adult woman will sit on the couch embracing each other with full smiles. Start video. They will continue to hold their faces in smile position for 20 minutes.
The video references an artist’s piece at Art Space Raleigh, NC where participants are told to hold a smile for as long as possible. Eventually the participant’s mouth and face becomes tired and the smile becomes a grimace.
I want to depart from this singular moment and involve a family: Mother, Father and Child. A happy family in transition. The scene mimics one found in an advertisement. A decisive moment captured by a commercial photographer of three models. Herein, the sellable moment is extended into reality and physical limitations of smiling.
I believe this is a comment on the products consumed by individuals in hopes of attaining perfection, in hopes of obtaining what the advertisement presents and promises. For example whiter teeth, a slimmer body, softer clothing or travel. The piece provides a circular motion found in the cradle to grave process of consumable products.
