Charlotte Damson

Decaying

A collection of animated images and audio that explores the process of deterioration and rebirth within relationships.

.

We crave emotional and romantic relationships; trying to find love from a significant other or loving one’s own self is a struggle that everyone faces. Often, relationships start out feeling like bliss. My thesis seeks to explore the degenerate phase which many people report follows after the honeymoon phase. My work seeks to capture the moments at the intersection: where a blissful beginning becomes an inevitable drift.

My animated GIFs depict a series of metaphors using the tropes of fire, lighters, hands, hearts, skeletons, wax, etc. The work attempts to capture a fleeting emotion in a never ending image. I’ve collected conversations and interviewed friends about their own personal experiences with relationships. Though topics vary, the conversations revolve around modern relationships. It should be noted that the phrases and language used is not always politically correct, but does capture the nature of young people today. Because relationships fizzle out without justification, rules, or sense, audio helped add universality in that everybody experiences pain and loss.

Although it may be inevitable for a relationship to decay, it is also apparent that new relationships will form, whether it’s a relationship with yourself or a significant other. Relationships develop and grow then, for a variety of reasons, may very well deteriorate and disappear. Along the way we collect traits (good and/or bad) from the person we shared our lives with, and unintentionally bring those attributes into future relationships. With destruction comes healing and growth, any relationship can be seen as a learning opportunity to better yourself.

Website: charlottedamson.com

Instagram: @charlottedamsonart 

Vimeo: charlottedamson