Having received some positive feedback on my initial theme of Schadenfreude (the pleasure derived from the misfortune of another), I've thought about more intelligable yet practical outcomes;
1. Whilst I think mundane, everyday experiences of Schadenfreude are interesting on an observational level, I'm thinking more about the current climate whereby the media actively encourage us to feel the tabooed emotion - especially the downfall of celebs and those high in power or authority. I've thought of producing an outcome that highlights this media influence and social comment in a non-preachy, heavy way. Therefore, an alternative method of re-telling a glossy, over-hyped celeb scandal would be to present it in monochrome within a zoetrope - this also comments on the shift from what was considered innocent, traditional, family entertainment to how we get our kicks today.
Not to infringe on other students' 'all things enormous' idea, the zoetrope itself would have most effect and a heightened relation to the viewer if it were to human scale. One piece would be constructed with many graphic strips of the embarrassing misfortunes (mentioned in my first blog) available to slot in.
Considering the scale of the piece and the fact that it would be positioned in various locations in the city (particularly squares, as almost circus/freakshow events) they would invite the 'Ultimate opportunity for schadenfreude' as the public would be in control of their movement. Without their participation, the scandals/misfortunes would not unfold and so again it plays with the idea of temptation.
Perhaps the whole motive could be to take the stigma out of an emotion we all feel but deny to exist. Making the experience so public could take it from being a guilty pleasure, to one of accepted celebration.
2. The opposite of a celebrated pleasure would be in considering Schadenfreude as a guilty pleasure. Therefore, perhaps the above idea would work on the complete opposite scale of being a miniature zoetrope which could be a portable device to sneekingly lift one's spirits, boost an ego, or gain a malicious kick or laugh?
Almost like a designed toy (but in a light-hearted tone) packaging would also be considered.
3. In thinking of possible photographic outcomes, and considering that one reason for Schadenfreude is jealousy, I thought of a more commercial or fashion angle, in that often we might feel the emotion because we want something another has. A possible outcome to this notion could be a photoshoot for an edgy, attitude ridden
clothing brand where for example beautiful models in 'to die-for' clothes are seen getting such comeuppances as being drenched by a taxi passing through a puddle.
The aim would be to highlight the competetive aspect of living in a city where we like to see the downfall of those we feel are doing better than ourselves.
4. Finally, thinking back to the analogy of Schadenfreude as a guilty pleasure, I thought of isolating this term and finding out exactly what people in London are ashamed to admit to loving or owning. As a nosey person I'm always intrigued to know what people have hidden under their beds, in their bottom drawers and hide away when they are expecting visitors.
The idea would be to advertise for a 'Guilty Pleasures amnesty' where the public would hand in all their embarrassing and cringe-worthy objects, clothes, ornaments and nerdy collections. With a strong interest in photography, I would aim to photograph the objects hoping to catch them in their 'best light'and find some glimmer of attractiveness or purpose.
9 comments:
Like the guilty pleasure amnesty bin where people donate their stuff. A catalogue maybe?
Yeah was thinking of some sort of catalogue or archive... perhaps profiles could be made of what type of person would own such and such a thing?!...
Any thoughts on the Victorian zoetrope of scandal idea? Was interested in the contrast of old and new and in ousting repressed schadenfreudian feelings.
Would be grateful for any feedback...
I don't think its possible to oust those kinds of feelings. Let's face it, the basis for most if not all comedy derives from the misfortunes of others, and the pleasure we take in seeing it. I guess it's a sort of necessary ''i'm glad it's you and not me'' thing. Although fundamentally it's not nice; it's part of human nature, and something we subconciously seem to need. Nice bunch aren't we?!!
Christine
surely the use of something so ancient-re-affirms the idea that these feelings are part of human nature. I think the visual presence of a zoetrope would be beautiful, also the possibilities for beautiful print would be in abundance
In response to the 'ousting the feeling' thing, I agree with the emotion being both a necessary and natural thing which we all know we do, but the point I was trying to make was that we are in denial of doing it. There is obviously a huge market for Schadenfreude as seen in the huge sales in gossip mags and viewers of reality tv, but it is still very much a private emotion often expressed through smirking and internal glee! This is for fear of being seen as evil or malicious. Therefore rather the motive would be to throw light and awareness
upon the little known tabooed emotion - afterall there is no english equivalent to the German word.
Maybe if you're taking the stance that we find private, perhaps guilty pleasure in another's mishaps, your zoetrope idea could be like small, collapsable pieces that could be carried about for people to indulge in when they feel the urge?!! You could design illustrated strips of different events for different needs be it for comedy, ego boost or whatever to be collected and inserted into the main piece?
Yeah I had considered them being small, hidden creations to tie in with the fact that Schadenfreude is a perceived 'guilty pleasure'. There could be ones sized for hand-bags, pockets, office-desk drawers etc.
Do you think it's best to go down this path of playing along with the perception or would it be more interesting to bring the emotion out into the open of to raise awareness, debate and social commentary? If so then the zoetrope would work best on a larger scale and would raise further questions of media influence and temptation (as the public would be in control of their movement).
Any thoughts guys??...
i think the zoetrope being on a larger scale would have more impact, maybe smaller versions could be available if people choose to take one away with them, further playing on the idea of it being something 'guilty.'
Maybe in the actual show, the smaller ones could be put somewhere where you have to make a concerted effort to get them-kinda like top shelf porn!
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