Nicholas Fraser

Tyvek is a proprietary name for various tear-resistant papers made from spun plastic fibers. The contradictory traits inherent in the material (it resembles organic, hand-made art papers from Asia, but is mass produced from petroleum; it appears lightweight and delicate but is impervious to tearing and moisture) are echoed in the repurposing of messages from the private space of a stranger’s inbox into starkly lit public statements projecting their message on the wall behind. Texts are warped and wrapped, generating illusionistic shadow forms. The sheets are fastened only at the top, so viewer’s movements cause the material to ripple, individual letters to flutter and shake, further activating the forms.

New text-based works quoting unanswered messages sent to women on internet dating sites. These failed efforts to spark a connection are hand cut into various sheet materials, with the letters left dangling.

 

On delicate sheets of black Tyvek, these same messages are stretched and twisted, the hanging letters quivering with any movement of air. Hung away from the wall, these drawings cast a distinct shadow, where the text is often more legible than the object casting the shadow.

 

Initially intended for a private singular audience, these personal and poignant notes are transformed into public shrines to longing. Each is filled with casual autobiographical details, forming an intimate self-portrait, whose tireless sense of hope belies a weary awareness of the artificial, projected nature of these online communications.