Ms. Fragilistic - 2009
Ms. Fragilistic is a multi-media installation that addresses the potential for escaping into another realm, an imaginary world where feelings of bliss may be rewarded to those who, merely, believe and jump in.
Ms. Fragilistic serves as a reaction to the notion that as we age into adulthood the fantasy realms we create as children often times tend to retreat, while societal pressures find there occupancy on the forefront of ones mind (i.e. finding employment, residence, developing ones social circle, etc.). In response to such societal pressures and the popular notion that happiness is dependant on money or status I would, rather, like to suggest that happiness may be found in more youthful, uninhibited mentalities where anything remains possible. With that being said, Ms. Fragilistic is influenced by the popular children’s film “Mary Poppins”, a film which inspires open-mindedness and the exercising of ones imagination, as one woman attempts to bring joy and amusement, fun and games into the lives of those who surround her. In Ms. Fragilistic I am interested in the idea that maybe all we ready need is one strong individual (i.e. Mary Poppins) to guide us away from preoccupations with money and social order. Maybe all we really need is some guidance that is void of superficial goals, guidance that leads one in the direction of laughter, games, and friendship, as well as exercising creativity (i.e. finding innovative, imaginary realms for amusement).
The filmic scene to which I have taken much inspiration for this piece is where, in a local London park, Mary Poppins “quite simply” and magically assists two children (Jane and Michael) and her friend Bert in jumping through one of Bert’s chalk drawing, into another realm. This fantasy realm brings much adventure and joy to each of the partakers, and the only word to describe the sensation of ones happiness is through a very special, and invented term - Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Upon returning from this fantasy realm, the children are faced with their father’s skepticism and ridicule over their nonsensical boasting. It is their father who promotes “rational and serious” conversation and behaviour – order, security, discipline and rules, etc., against the children’s happy imaginings. Unfortunately, these rationalistic perspectives exist in great number within present society and tend to pressure more whimsical life perspectives. As a result, in Ms. Fragilistic I am interested in promoting the notion that there is value in practicing ones imagination, that there is value in the joys brought forth from involving oneself in magical ideas.
The filmic scene to which I have taken much inspiration for this piece is where, in a local London park, Mary Poppins “quite simply” and magically assists two children (Jane and Michael) and her friend Bert in jumping through one of Bert’s chalk drawing, into another realm. This fantasy realm brings much adventure and joy to each of the partakers, and the only word to describe the sensation of ones happiness is through a very special, and invented term - Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Upon returning from this fantasy realm, the children are faced with their father’s skepticism and ridicule over their nonsensical boasting. It is their father who promotes “rational and serious” conversation and behaviour – order, security, discipline and rules, etc., against the children’s happy imaginings. Unfortunately, these rationalistic perspectives exist in great number within present society and tend to pressure more whimsical life perspectives. As a result, in Ms. Fragilistic I am interested in promoting the notion that there is value in practicing ones imagination, that there is value in the joys brought forth from involving oneself in magical ideas.
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