Projections

With Projections Teresa Chen presents a fascinating aesthetic interaction between writing and smooth skin. In her works, the artist reaches for a seductive amalgamation of enigmatic writing and sculptural body masses. As is characteristic of her work, she places the sensual beauty in a state of tension with the unfathomable, abysmal, repulsive, and transitory.

In her new work cycle, Teresa Chen shows the exposed body of a girl. On the body surface, she projects texts, which at first sight seem appealing on the soft skin. However, the pictures also contain something violent, such as tattoos, scribbles, texts hard to decipher; all inscribed on the child’s body. The black saturated letters cover the body parts extensively, while the finer, red-colored letters evoke/ remind of skin scars.

Through the projection surface, the child confronts the mother with questions about origins, identity, as well as meaning, and purpose of life. Every single band of text determines a work and is insistently repeating: “Who am I? What am I? Who do you think I am?” / “Am I Swiss? Are you Swiss? Who is Swiss?” / ”Swiss. Chinese. American. In – between. Hybrid. Mixed (…)” / “The future belongs to me. I am the future. Is there a future?”

Ruth Littman, from the press release for Projections (select “Show Information”)