Phoenix is proud to present Mr. Nobody, a solo show of new work by Kitty Clark commissioned especially for our cube gallery. The exhibition features an oculus rift virtual reality experience at the centre of a series of sculptures and projection works, which explore a common abstracted narrative.
Mr. Nobody, the central figure in the installation, is a salary man living in the near future suffering from Technostress, a term coined to describe the negative psychological relationship between people and new technologies.
Technostress manifests itself physically, psychologically and behaviorally as a result of overexposure to technology. Computer rage – a side effect to this phenomenon – has driven people to verbally and physically assault their devices, in some cases involving the use of weapons against an individual’s own computer as a way of coping with intense frustrations over the failures of technology to deliver on the promises of an easier and more efficient existence.
The exhibition features a series of acrylic sculptures, which take cues from the subculture of competitive case modding – in which computer cases are modified decoratively to highlight the devices inner workings – and high spec PC customization. Through echoing the abstracted digital narrative these engravings seek to explore the relationships between the physical world and the cultures trapped within in a virtual one.
Clark’s work highlights a sense of anxiety and fear as our desire for digital salvation is replaced by a darker and more complex relationship with technology.
