It Is A Perfect World

(2025)
Mixed media installation: found imagery, newspaper clippings, hanging wire and light projection.

This piece draws inspiration from Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, which examines the profound tension between comfortable illusions and the harsh nature of truth. In the original allegory, prisoners mistake shadows for reality and resist the truth even when confronted with it, preferring the safety of a lie. I wanted to translate this concept into a contemporary critique of how we perceive our global society. I utilised newspaper clippings and distressing images of war, animal cruelty and political figures who spread hate to construct a physical globe alongside the bold declaration, "IT IS A PERFECT WORLD."

The installation relies on the interplay of light to create a deliberate disconnect for the viewer. When illuminated, the resulting shadow appears smooth and flawless, suggesting a sense of harmony and perfection. However, upon closer inspection of the physical components, the viewer is confronted with the reality of human suffering and global conflict. I chose to incorporate the strings used to suspend the letters into the shadow itself, symbolising the political and social puppet masters who control and maintain the illusion of order. Through this contrast, the work challenges the viewer to look beyond the curated surface of our reality and recognise the intricate systems that dictate our perception of truth.