conceptual basis

‘Peer Pressure’ is a work that plays with the concept of Social Elevator, a mechanism “present” in society, meant to enable equality and how inefficient and absent it is.

The title represents how society is divided in layers and how those at the bottom support the weight of those at the top, while also playing on “peer pressure” as an oxymoron.

The work is composed of two integral elements:

Portraits and Perception

I will photograph the portraits of three individuals, sought out based on the prevalent characteristics of Australian immigrants. These portraits will represent individuals from low social economic contexts within overlooked minorities. Two portraits, one which portrays the stereotypical image projected by society (e.g. uber eats delivery driver), the second reflecting their natural self. Both portraits of each individual will be displayed on the walls, side by side, with a didactic containing information about their story.

Weight

Based on official reports and statistics relating to social inequality in Australia, I will develop a weight scale that will be integrated into a wearable vest based on each individual portrayed, e.g if it is 100x harder for that individual to own a home, 100 grams will be added to the vest. Each vest will feature hanging elements that illustrate each one of those statistics and will be available for the public to wear. 

The vest will be displayed on a pedestal with instructions and supported by gallery staff ensuring the correct use.

Interaction

By reading the context and viewing the photographs, the audience is confronted with the identity behind a stereotype, creating room for a change in perception - “social elevation”. This change will be further propelled by the act of walking in the gallery with the vest on, feeling the weight of how much harder it is for those individuals.

In all, the combination of these two elements will help to burst the audience’s bubble, break a contact barrier and shed light on a reality that they might not have perceived as such, at least not in such a personal way.