This project is an adaptation of the book The Magic Toy Shop by Angela Carter in the form of an installation. It combines large-scale acrylic paintings, lights, and voice-over to transport the audience to the main character- Melanie, emotional state. In our first introduction with Melanie, we meet her in the privacy of her bedroom, exploring herself as she embarks on the journey of becoming a woman. Soon she is confronted with adulthood prematurely, as she is stripped away from everything she ever knew, a life of abundance, privilege, and comfort. In her new reality, Melanie finds herself struggling between losing herself and her autonomy, while also fighting to gain it back. At moments she is a puppet in Uncle Philip's shop, her actions are coordinated by someone else who is pulling her string. At other times, she fights against the strings, almost breaking away. She finds comfort in Finn, her new “brother”, but unable to imagine a life with him as he does not fit her previous expectations of a romantic partner. Will she fight against her written destiny to be tied to him forever? Or will she break free from this horror nightmare and return to the lavish life she knew before? 

Lights: Max Grano De Oro

Voice Over: Olivia Lowe