The Exoticiser

terrarium, sand, light, drawings

When deconstructing an exotic entity, two parts are perceived: on one hand the main substance – object and on the other, the attribute or adjective attached to this object. Together they create a new physical as well as a semantic construction, which is perceived as being exotic (i.e. tropical fruit). For an object to become exotic, a contextual shift has to happen: geographical or cultural relocation in most cases. An interesting observation, in addition, is that contrasting climate zones contribute to a higher degree of exoticism. In defining a system as to how an object is “inaugurated” into this category, I try at the same time to break this myth and offer a conceptual contraption for the cause.
The Exoticiser takes the form of a terrarium, an object already intended for the purpose of housing an exotic display – environment. It provides a conceptual, mental space, where any ordinary object conceived inside of it becomes exotic. The changing light provides the choice of a specific contrasting “micro climate” – according to the particular object.