Virtual Court, 2023

Mixed materials

This work explores parasocialism and fanatic behavior and how they manifest in modern times, specifically on the internet, inside of the V-tuber fanbase, while also drawing parallels between it and older manifestations of fanatic behavior in history and religion. The artpiece is an altar that consists of a central composition, an altar table and other complementary compositions, objects and characters. The overall composition tells of the fragile line between support, hate and obsession. The bright colors and cartoonish characters, that fit in with the aesthetic of virtual entertainers, are being presented alongside the problems that stem from the same communities that these entertainers create. The characters represent an idol and its fans and, with the help of various symbols, the compositions show the interactions between these characters – good and bad. The author wished to express her feelings on the topic after personally seeing various negative situations and toxic behavior unfold within the V-tuber community. She created this piece to better understand the reasons behind these behaviors and also to bring attention to the dangers of parasocial relationships, cyber-stalking and cyber-bullying to a wider audience.

Total size of composition: ~200x200x100cm (may vary because of different presentation).