Narcissus

The Saudade of Narcissus
A contemporary telling of the Narcissus story in four chapters, four mediums. He desires himself,
And the one who praises, is himself praised
And, while he courts, is courted
So that, equally, he inflames and burns.
-Ovid

The Saudade of Narcissus from Paultonnes on Vimeo.

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Details

iTouch Me
Chapter 1 in my telling of the Narcissus myth. The viewer is encouraged to swipe the touch screen revealing dozens of selfies made by a contemporary Narcissus., a sad remnant of the beginning of his demise. The same model was used for all four chapters in this series Wood, wax, paper, & electronics.

In the Forrest
In chapter 2 we see Narcissus with Echo and 'the youth', both potential lovers whom he has spurned. Photographic triptych on Fuji Crystal Archive, plexiglass, & hardware. Each panel 40X70 inches.

He Weeps
Chapter 3: A life-sized sculpture of Narcissus unable to break away from his reflection in the pond. He is overcome by a deep feeling of saudade (a Portuguese word difficult to translate in English, a combination of nostalgia, sadness, & hope). A box suspended above his head feeds him melted wax tears that drip into the water. The sound of his tears is amplified and echoed through speakers built into the plinth. Wax, metal, wood, plaster, & electronics.

The Saudade of Narcissus

The Saudade of Narcissus
In the final chapter of our story, Narcissus says farewell to his image. Animated video., 4 minutes. Featuring Seth Novak. Music by Bright Light Bright Light.

© paul tonnes