The Roles Reversed: Humans as Spectacles , 2021
Watercolor and colored pencil on paper

This work explores the alternative reality of animals (mollusks and fish) gaining control over humans, reversing the roles of what we know in society today. The conveyor belt serving human parts in capsules parallels the conveyor belt sushi we enjoy. By reversing the roles of prey and predator, we truly understand the incredibly unique ritual of “eating” observed in human culture. The animals display the human body similarly to how we display animals for entertainment. Although completely normalized when animals are displayed this way, once the roles are switched, we are left conflicted and uncomfortable.
Take a look at the movie posters on the wall in the bottom piece. Knowing that humans are incredibly intelligent just like octopi, it is humorous and strange that we are constantly creating works to prove our intelligence. Perhaps we need artworks like these that showcase human behavior in an unconventional way to objectively perceive the uniqueness and morality of human culture.

Exhibited by:

UCI Humanities Core

More from UCI Humanities Core

"The Worlds We Weave Together: Quilting, Identity, Community" , 2024
236 x 183 x 3 cm (h x w x d)
Fabric, Embroidery Thread
UCI Humanities Core
Contemplating Gratitude , 2024
52 x 92 x 3 cm (h x w x d)
Interactive Zen Garden
UCI Humanities Core
Care & Repair Theme Description , 2024
198 x 105 x 3 cm (h x w x d)
Digital Poster
UCI Humanities Core
Broken bridges sing in the wind , 2024
112 x 86 x 3 cm (h x w x d)
Fictional Short Story
UCI Humanities Core
Mental Health as Care and Repair , 2024
66 x 105 cm (h x w)
Choreographed Dance Video
UCI Humanities Core