HOLD-ME-TIGHT

Drawing from industrial and military themes juxtaposed with romantic motifs, the uncanny valley aesthetic and functionality of the robot arms create a compelling paradox. The installation offers two modes of interaction: solo and duo performances.

In the solo performance, individuals operate the arms using a controller, positioning themselves between them to experience a hug or grasp. The emotional response varies, potentially evoking feelings of comfort or unease, reflecting the individual’s subconscious.

In the duo performance, one person stands between the arms while their partner, acting as the controller or 'lover,' manipulates the arms' movements. This dynamic explores power dynamics within relationships, akin to puppetry, where one individual dominates the space around the other.

Through this exploration, HOLD-ME-TIGHT delves into the dehumanized mechanical absurdity and the irony of human interaction, incorporating game theory within the context of contemporary socio-political landscapes. It emphasizes how human dynamics shift with physical proximity and distance, often triggering double-edged emotions.