Collecting Apology

2011

Pigmented Inkjet Prints

Many religions require adherents to review their misdeeds and vow to improve their actions. Repentance is often practiced by lowering one’s body closer to the ground in some way. I am interested in how these body gestures can be a catalyst for self-reflection and self-examination regardless of religion or cultural background. The simple bowing gesture, raised to an iconic level, is meant to frame ideas of humility and forgiveness for whoever takes the opportunity to perform this act, and also for whoever else witnesses others performing this act. Perceiving this simple gesture of apology is complicated by its very public situation, which may be seen as equally ridiculous or irreverent. By introducing levity into a very somber situation, I hope to diffuse and humanize the burden of this engagement.