In the present reality, people often experience loss of humanity and become objects, the result of power dynamics. The concept of human objectification is not new, but it has intensified recently. In this project, I examine my body as part of society, addressing the boundaries between human and objective. I convert my body into a public-private unit by connecting to a chair, a symbol that may take on different meanings according to its usage. I examine the intimate and exploitative relationship formed between the new entity (chair-person) and the user.
The metal objects on display are partial, and have no right to exist without the body. Together, they necessarily produce a hybridization of body and matter, complete interdependence. Within that dependence, questions are examined regarding the continued existence of the hybrid objects, since it requires considerable physical effort. In turn, that physical effort sheds light on human society and its ability to sustain this relationship.
The project encourages a rethinking of our relations with objects and with our personal identity, and suggests a critical perspective on the human body as object.
Assem is an artist and designer with a BA in screen-based arts and an M.Des in industrial design from Bezalel. He lectures in local universities and conducts printmaking workshops. His work has been exhibited internationally and locally. He is interested in archiving children's magazines in the Arab world and using audiovisual archives as a research tool.