Paperdoll
2018
At the inception of the Digital Sigga journey, there was an intrigue surrounding the art of refining images for online display. This curiosity was about ensuring images look flawless but also maintaining an illusion of authenticity. With the proliferation of mobile photo editing apps, which are more user-friendly than tools like Photoshop, it's become easy for anyone to tweak their images before showcasing them online.
For a preliminary exploration, Digital Sigga experimented with personal photos. This involved standard alterations provided by mobile editors such as eye enlargement and skin smoothing. An aspiration to superimpose high-end clothing, like an Acne Studio shirt, onto the image was also pursued. However, this attempt clashed with the presence of a coat already in the image. The final product resembled a paper collage, giving the figure a doll-like appearance.
This intriguing result paved the way for the first major project under the Digital Sigga name. An online avatar was conceived, reminiscent of traditional paper dolls - two-dimensional figures complemented by paper-made outfits. A photograph was taken in minimal clothing, posing in a way that would easily facilitate the addition of digital outfits. Unlike the traditional paper doll meant for physical play, this version was explicitly digital.
Harnessing the power of the internet, Digital Sigga scoured designers' websites to curate outfits. These clothing images were then superimposed onto the digital paper doll. This process allowed for a constantly evolving wardrobe without any real-world purchases. The resulting outfits were then showcased on an Instagram account.
Dubbed the "Digital Paper Doll," this avatar, though derived from a photograph of its creator, stands as a distinct entity. Images of the doll, always in a consistent stance and facial expression, highlight varying fashion statements. The distinction between images of the doll and its real-life counterpart lies not in appearance but in the doll's dynamic fashion presentation.
This project aimed to probe the online notions of authenticity and highlight the ironic reliance on tangible, mass-produced items to convey individualism in the digital realm. It's important to remember that platforms like Instagram allow users to share visual narratives. However, these digital images are merely two-dimensional glimpses into reality - carefully curated facades that often omit the broader picture. The Digital Sigga project underscores that in the digital age, material possessions might not be essential to curate these visual stories.