Emoji, Literally Today, human interactions are facilitated by new technologies and much of people’s lives are spent online. In this work, I am building a discussion around the use of graphic images (Emojis) used to replace tone of voice and reacting on the spot. In our online and virtual lives we often choose an Emoji to replace words and enhance our emotional reaction to a particular scenario or activity. In adding an Emoji to an online conversation, or to accompany an Instagram photograph, or to give a simple response to a text, we associate these small graphic images to everyday emotions and activities.
This series of images appear as conventional portraits of people in everyday environments. However, upon further observation, the viewer notices that objects the subjects are interacting with are in fact Emojis. The Emojis were blown up to life-sized proportions and printed on cardstock. Each subject was then asked to interact with an Emoji within an appropriate setting where the object would typically be used. The photographs trick the viewer into believing the Emojis are real objects. This reveals the current human condition suggesting that our virtual and real lives are united and inseparable. View the whole series here
