Through this project, I sought to explore the idea of a secret through observation. By watching and documenting the people in a neighboring apartment complex, I am able to discover certain things about them which allow for a routine to be found between me and the subject. Through this process, I began to notice the times my neighbors would arrive home and what sorts of rooms the windows open up into. At first I was an entranced voyeur, grossly entertained by any little movement I could see. However, I became overly conscious over time. Windows which used to be wide open were hidden by curtains. I didn’t feel I had been obvious in my conquest though I still felt a pang of mortification at the possibility of being noticed in return.
It is for this reason that my piece is painted on mirrors. As an observer, I was unable to take myself out of the task of watching in order to become an unbiased viewer. I wanted to incorporate this experience into my piece. I painted scenes of my favorite apartment on four mirrors which I purchased second hand. These objects also attempt to tie in the themes of a home in their wornness and may appear to be objects found in someone’s space. I left large portions of the reflective surface visible so that upon looking at the unknown domestic scene, one cannot help but to see themself in the painting. Yes, I am watching my neighbors but what is there to stop them from seeing me just as clearly?
cam scalese artist 