Fowld: An Exercise in Unfolding the Animal Self.
Self-Portrait for the ITP course Animals, People, and Things in Between.
I chose to display a flattened out whooping crane on one side of a piece of paper and arranged photos of myself on the other. When folded correctly, the images should render an anatomically (somewhat) correct arrangement in three dimensions.
I learned how to fold a paper crane when I was very young, but I never saw a live crane until much later. To me, paper wings feel strangely more authentic than those of our living fowl feathered friends.
The crane is indeed a majestic creature, mastering the air, land and water with his wide wings, gaunt legs and graceful neck. As I attempted to place my own image over his unfolded template, I realized that I in fact had none of those qualities. So I had to make do.
The act of unfolding my image and reversing it into the crane feels comforting and empowering. But I enjoy the idea that whenever I wish, I could return to my former paper self with just a few quick swipes.
A PDF is available to download here.
