El infierno son los Otros

Sartre’s phrase «Hell is Others» (Behind Closed Doors, 1948) explores the concept of the influence of the gaze of others on the personal psyche. It is based on the idea that the gaze of the other strips us naked to show the reality of our being. This situation of vulnerability causes the individual to feel judged and condemned. In this way, when we observe our image reflected in the eyes of others, they return us to the monster of the mirror that confronts us with our dark points, weaknesses, defects and fears. The piece explores how the gaze of the other conditions the construction of one’s own identity, in a relationship of intersubjectivity. At the same time, it ironises how the big tech companies take advantage of our weaknesses by manipulating and feeding this construction. On the other hand, the installation inverts the relation of the observer-observed: the spectator, who attends the gallery with the intention of seeing the exhibition, finds himself before the captured gaze of previous visitors. The moment they decide to interact, they become part of the installation and will also be observed by future visitors.