pearl fernandes

Alice in Wonderland?

My work explores the idea of growth and facing reality, as one will always be an outsider in the real world struggling to fit in. It is just like a collage. We cut and stick various pictures and materials that do not belong together, however once they are assembled, it adds different textures and meaning which can represent different events and experiences we come across when grouping up. In a way representing the difficulties, it is the surreal elements which serve to challenge our perception of the world around us. The 3D collage signifies the highs and lows we experience when group up in the real world. The different 3D sculptures are of unusual sizes and materials representing different elements which are part of life such as anxiety, stress, responsibilities and even the unequal society. 

Why Alice in wonderland? - ‘the tea party scene’ 

Tea parties were the social norms and were given the highest importance. They are meant to be delicate, colourful, prestige and elegant. However, in the novel its far from it as its nothing but chaos. The contrast ties up the idea that growing up is not a smooth roller coaster but a bumpy one.  

Tea parties are attended by adults however, in the novel Alice is 7 years old. No child attends a tea parties unless they are playing. The imagery of Alice attending a party for adults juxtaposes the idea of growing up and stepping into the world of adulthood. The tea party scene in the novel is just like a collage where all the characters do not belong in the same picture however, they do. Just like when we are growing, we do not like certain experiences nevertheless those experiences help us fit into reality. 

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