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TITLED

Titled is a provocative and deeply introspective video art piece that navigates the complex terrain of identity and social perception. The film opens with the artist—facing the camera, unguarded and vulnerable—as an external participant begins to write sharp, hurtful comments across their face with black and white paint. Each stroke becomes a visual manifestation of the judgments and critiques that society readily casts, layering over the artist's features until their face is obscured beneath contrasting shades.

 

The juxtaposition of black and white embodies the duality of social perception: the dark ink symbolizes doubt and negativity, while the white suggests an imposed pretense of purity and compliance. As the performance progresses, the artist's identity becomes veiled, illustrating how external voices and expectations can suppress and distort one's true self.

 

Titled pushes viewers to reflect on the powerful influence of societal standards and challenges the notion of identity as something static or solely defined by others. It raises profound questions about how individuals can reclaim their sense of self amid overwhelming external pressure. This film piece invites an exploration of liberation—a journey to see past the inscriptions that mask authenticity and to rediscover the raw, unfiltered essence beneath. Titled is not just an artwork but a powerful statement on unlearning social constructs and embracing the freedom of self-definition.

Director: Zifan Zhu

Writer :Zifan Zhu

Date: April 14, 2024

Filming Location: Ithaca, NY

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