Graduation project for academy Minerva
Click to watch video of installation, with soundscape
Year
2024
Dimensions
3,5 x 4 x 2,60 m (varies in dimensions)
Materials
Mixed media
Exhibition
15.06.2024-20.06.2024, Graduation show, academy Minerva, Groningen,
the Netherlands
About the work
"Playing with Hearts" is an installation where a variety of materials and techniques are used. It consists out of four different visual works that together with a soundscape form one cohesive piece.
The meaning behind it is how we can’t have control over the actions of others, although these actions do have an effect on our own state of mind.
It's portrayed through the characters of playing cards, using them as a metaphor for how “love” or “friendship” can sometimes turn into a game in which cards are not always played openly or with good intentions.
At the center of the installation is the King of Hearts, who holds a heart symbolizing he has control over it, or metaphorically, his power to influence the emotions of the person whose heart he holds. The surrounding works represent different reactions to what this power might do to someone. This concept doesn't necessarily relate to personal, intimate situations, it can translate to broader societal dynamics.
The use of playing cards originates from a fascination with transforming recognizable, iconic, or historical images by placing them in a new context. This approach aims to create something new that feels familiar, even if people have never seen it before. Playing cards are nearly universally known, with designs that have stayed almost the same since the 14th century. By incorporating these characters, the installation takes on a medieval feel, highlighting both the shifts in society over time and what has remained the same.
The work also mirrors the roles of men and women. Where men continue to hold more power globally, although in observation of personal environment, women often take on leadership roles within smaller circles.
This is why the King of Hearts is put in the central position of the installation; he commands attention, seen by all. Meanwhile, the Queen exists in the background, though she is actually larger than the King and holds the Spades symbol, which ranks higher in card hierarchy than Hearts (1. Spades, 2. Hearts, 3. Diamonds, 4. Clubs). Her role in the installation is as important as the King’s, though it may be less immediately visible.
Process
The Jack of Clubs
The Jack has two sides, each showing very different emotions: happiness and sadness. He can be flipped around, allowing him to switch from one emotion to the other quickly. This represents being entirely dependent on how others treat you and letting yourself be carried away by it. He has no control over his own emotions, making him very vulnerable.
The Queen of Spades
The Queen is highly self-reliant. She is depicted as strong and independent, but this also gives her a guarded demeanor. Her two swords and lack of pupils are inspired by the Tarot card “Two of Swords,” which symbolizes being directionless. The idea is that trying to control your emotions by shutting everyone out doesn’t lead to a happier life.
The Jack and Queen are opposites in a way that she won’t ever be as sad as the Jack, but she will also never be as happy.
First version
The Joker
The Joker has an aged appearance, symbolizing the many experiences she has endured. She no longer cares much about how others treat her. She’s fully autonomous, which fits her role in the card game. Historically, jesters were ranked low in royal courts, but they were the only ones who could make jokes about the king without facing consequences. This gave them more freedom of speech than anyone else, making the jester unexpectedly powerful. That’s why the Joker is the most valuable card in the game.
The Joker raises the question: “What happens when you stop caring about everything?” (Think: the opinions or approval of others, your place in society.) Does this give you the freedom to become your most authentic self, or does it cause you to lose touch with reality?
Her body is made of various ceramic pieces, with different colors and patterns, all held together by strings. These represent the fragmented aspects of her personality. The Joker is completely free, but that freedom also makes her fragile. Her diverse and fragmented nature reflects a rich personality full of variety, but this lack of unity leaves her vulnerable, as she struggles to fully commit to one thing.
The Joker is made a woman to create an equal balance of male and female characters in the installation. Did you notice that this is not the case in the original card game?
