In a disciplinary society, people seem to be forced to become emotionless machines, complying with the commands and processes of discipline to ensure the efficient operation of the entire system. In this context, emotions become an obstacle that must be completely eliminated. Philosopher Han Byung-Chul, in his book "Psychopolitics," uses Michel Foucault's viewpoints to provide an explanatory framework for this phenomenon. He argues that modern society, through various social institutions and systems, has established a clear set of norms and standards with the aim of training individuals to become orderly, predictable, and error-free machines. The so-called concentrated correction (konzertierte Orthopadie) in a disciplinary society is about molding an intangible dough into a numb machine. Only when emotions or sensations are completely severed do these machines function optimally. I liken this soft dough to the people in our current society, who, through gradual transformation and molding, are shaped into three-dimensional sculptures, taking the form needed by society and meticulously filling its voids.
I completed the photography by creating a large 30x30 cm dough, carefully selecting a smaller amount of yeast to achieve a more refined molding effect and ensuring its better integration with the plaster. As the centerpiece of the work, this meticulously shaped dough, filling the cracks of the plaster, acts like a unique patch, not only repairing the damages of the plaster but also bringing profound symbolic significance to the entire piece. My intention is to provoke deep reflection on the relationship between individuals and their environment in modern society by allowing the audience to directly feel the contradiction and discomfort arising from the fusion of these two materials. This unique amalgamation symbolizes the societal molding and transformation of the individual.
To achieve a matte finish with delicate textures, I chose a matte velvet tablecloth as the background for my shoot. Additionally, I employed two square softboxes, adjusting the lighting to create a uniform and smooth illumination effect. This lighting arrangement mimics the lighting environment of an operating table, thereby creating a simple and clear visual experience for my installation piece. This setup is designed to impart a sense of immediacy to the audience.
