The connection to joy can sometimes be a dark and twisted one, such as schadenfreude, a form of pleasure born from the suffering of others. A philosophical moralist, Arthur Schopenhauer, once said, "To feel envy is human, to savor schadenfreude is devilish." Thus, the source material for this work drew from demonic paintings and illustrations found throughout art history. This project invites reflection on the darker side of human nature, questioning how joy can emerge from the harm of others and whether this emotion is inherently immoral or part of a deeper, more intricate aspect of our psychological makeup.
Selenite is a crystal known for purity and cleansing of negative energy. By emulsion transferring onto these healing crystals, I created a layered dialogue between each fragment on a stone slate. The circular frame grounding the selenite reflects the cyclical nature of emotions and allows for the creation of a reversed crystal grid. The intention behind this grid was to channel energy into an alternate direction that allowed for the internal reflection of schadenfreude and its roots within me, acknowledging the discomfort of understanding them. The layered, multidimensional quality of the pieces invites a deeper exploration of how specific emotional reactions can be intrusive, suppressed, and revealed.
Schadenfreude is a perverse celebration of harm, a cruel joy that may stem from feelings of superiority, revenge, or jealousy. Oftentimes, it is shaped by our political climate, competitive nature, or personal moral justifications. Ultimately, it remains a distorted, sometimes primal form of euphoria that thrives on the destruction of others. In today's society, where division and conflict often fuel and encourage such emotions, I invite viewers to engage with the discomfort of these feelings and reconsider how we judge them—both in ourselves and others.