RASUA
Testing Senses
Personalized work
Video / 3:33 min
2007
The video portrays a service provided to a woman who may benefit both financially and psychologically by doing what relaxes her the most.
Phobias lead to an irrepressible fear, and to unwanted behavior towards common objects or materials. Basilia Mendieta has an extreme fear of any objects that conduct an electric current. I proposed that she use her trauma as an efficient way to obtain an economic benefit and thus alleviate her financial hardships. Her economic needs, as a result, grew stronger than her own psyche. Taking advantage of the Christmas season, and taking into account her fondness for crocheting, she suggested producing garlands to embellish Christmas trees, dressing the cables and colored bulbs with bells, candy canes, and woven dolls. After she produced a considerable number of garlands to sell, Mendieta had the ability to successfully convert her phobia into a profitable endeavor.