Through the Curtain

rough the Curtain is about being caught between two worlds. It is a follow-up to my Just a Game series, which explored the intense drama and complex emotions experienced by children during play. In Through the Curtain, the emotions are transformed by adolescence, and a duality forms in the toys. The terms ‘plaything’ and ‘object’ of desire take on new meaning. Barbie suddenly becomes hot.  The subjects of Through the Curtain are 1950s vintage injection molded toys from the Marx American Beauties series. The images were captured using a Canon 7D camera equipped with a 100mm macro lens. To illuminate each scene, I used a combination of natural sunlight and several forms of unconventional lighting, including a fluorescent light ring from a microscope and the flashlight from my iPhone. The subjects were all photographed through a Ziploc sandwich bag, in order to blur the line between fantasy and reality, depict the barrier between childhood and adulthood, and shroud the subjects in mystery. The curtain effect of the Ziploc bag suggests voyeurism and allows for different emotional perceptions. Seen from an adult point of view it portrays a nostalgic picture of the past and a longing for a simpler time, whereas an adolescent perspective presents a fuzzy, possibly inaccurate picture of what is yet to come.  This 2012 work explored the world of play and audience participation was essential.The photographs were viewed as 3D images using mid-century stereoscope toys, which were placed in lighted viewing booths constructed out of rough-cut wood. The toys and booths forced audience interaction with each piece. The stereoscope toys evoked feelings of playfulness and discovery. The juxtaposition of the toys and the images viewed through them created incongruity and a peep show experience.  The viewing booths were reminiscent of altars – something important is happening here – worship is taking place. Even though the booths were open, the images were seen in private through the stereoscope, because growing up is a very personal experience. The rough-cut wood a reminder that, during adolescence, we are raw and unpolished. Our experiences polish us and shape us into who we will be. In addition to the stereoscopes, images in colorful retro magnifying key chain viewers were also distributed as a reminder that we always carry our childhood experiences with us.