The System of Objects by Su Kui

Issue 155

The System of Objects focuses on interior spaces especially modern residential spaces. The black and white photographs seem to create a serious and solemn atmosphere. However, in this series, through the stacking and splicing of objects, it presents absurdity and abnormality: we can see staggered beds which are surrounded by circles of surveillance cameras, toilets stacked by toilet rings which symbolize "grade", countless light bulbs that emit dizzy lights at the same time, interesting visual presentation of the term "neat freak", windows facing different directions haphazardly, curtains that open but only show an empty wall, an absurd indoor viewing device, layers of viaducts that couldn't have been there crisscrossing each other and a row of shoes with only the toe exposed...Both furniture and other objects are deeply deconstructed and reconstructed, presenting a dramatic scene.

In this context, the manufacture of objects is not only a technical issue. Its appearance and function are not only based on aesthetic and practical needs, but also show profound sociological principles. People project various desires on objects and satisfy themselves by giving them some concepts. The proliferation, stacking, and splicing of furniture and relative objects blur the boundary between "useful" and "useless".

Su Kui (she/her) lives and works in Chengdu, China.
su-kui.com | @sukui.jpg