Mallory Donen’s practice explores the intersection of digital art and embroidery, through processes rooted in traditional craft. She is interested in the dichotomy between fast-paced digital technologies and the time-consuming practices of cross-stitching, knitting, and other needlework. Through her laborious approach to making art, she mirror society’s obsession with technology and its ability to both connect and disconnect. Her cross-stitched self-portrait series Becoming a Pixel visually demonstrate how digital technologies are impacting the way we view ourselves and engage in the world.
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused the world to evolve and adapt more towards digitization. The most convenient way to stay connected has been through our computers and devices. On the one hand, technology has been the glue that has held us together and it is how we have been able to express our frustrations, triumphs, and hardships through this new “normal”. Digital spaces are where we now spend most of our time. This means that our existence is almost always mediated through a screen or some form of digital technology.
On the other hand, the loss of physical connection has also caused us to feel more disconnected from each other. It can be hard to feel connected to others and have meaningful interactions through digital spaces. But it can also be challenging to stay truly connected to yourself. While using technology we are constantly being bombarded with advertisements and content that often become difficult to ignore. Algorithms curate most digital content, which means we have very little control over what we are being exposed to daily. With this loss of power, we begin to lose our sense of self, and our individuality can get lost in the void of virtual space.
The Becoming a Pixel series emphasizes the loss of self through virtual space, each of the five cross-stitched self-portraits become progressively more pixelated from the previous one. As each portrait becomes increasingly devoid of detail, it becomes increasingly devoid of the artist’s identity. The final portrait appears as a solid square (pixel), symbolizing loss of human identity through digital technology.
Mallory Donen acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Becoming a Pixel - Portrait 1-5, 2022, embroidery floss, Aida cloth