Danica Olders

Paradox of Choice, 2021

Varied

Danica Olders (b. 1989 Ottawa, Canada) is a Canadian transdisciplinary artist interested in space. Not like outer space but the space between people; the distance from a person to their connected walls/objects, the ownership felt of said spaces and the interactive energy possessed by them. Her work is highly symbolic and largely based on humour. It is direct yet animated and friendly, easy to be near but still has socially charged ideas underneath the playful surfaces.

Paradox of Choice is an installation utilizing trompe l’oeil effects, giving the illusion that there are multiple paths to take. Depth is created using the optical illusions of forced perspective as well as repetitive elements such as the moon and flower pots. These objects are expanded into the surrounding space to create the effect of a stage, thereby looking at the mural one becomes part of the scene. In life, there are many paths to take, and it is not always clear where they lead. Within Paradox of Choice, there is a real path in the garden that the installation is built around. The multiple-choice scenario that can leave one paralyzed, becomes simplified as there is only one possible path given the tempting options depicted.

There is a unity in the installation between each doorway, the colours selected and the reference to the moon. A 3d moon hangs above the wall and has a reflection on the ground, while the lunar phases (quarter, full and new) are painted as architectural features/surreal elements within the doorways. Shadows are cast from the painted flower pots to show their connection to the 3d moon hanging above. The original theme for the mural was nature looking upon itself, visualized within itself. In Paradox of Choice, a stage is created for the viewer to take part, but intended for the moon as well, to reflect upon itself and its interconnectivity within the staged experience