ARTIST STATEMENT
“Bun in the Oven” is a 10-15 minute interactive art project that addresses the pressures and anxieties women face regarding fertility and pregnancy. Using a baking game metaphor, participants engage in an accessible and thought-provoking experience that encourages reflection on the emotions surrounding fertility and childbearing.
Participants navigate the experience without initially knowing the metaphor, following a recipe and making decisions mirroring the uncertainties of pregnancy. Challenges encountered reflect pregnancy concerns, such as dough not rising or taking unexpected shapes.
Similar to expectant mothers, participants must make choices on how to handle these situations, reflecting decisions faced during pregnancy. The mother character provides guidance, wisdom, and humor resonating with the pregnancy journey. At the end, participants open the oven to find a revealing letter, unveiling the metaphor.
The project draws from personal experiences and those of loved ones, exploring the challenges and heartbreaks of pregnancy. By sharing intimate moments, “Bun in the Oven” creates a supportive space for individuals who have faced similar challenges, fostering connection and understanding. It also aims to provoke reflection and conversation among those who haven’t experienced it firsthand.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I-Jon Hsieh is a creative technologist and artist, currently based in New York, originally from Taiwan. Specializing in blending everyday observations and natural phenomena into interactive art forms, Hsieh’s broad range of work spans across interactive installations, generative art, games, and websites. With an exceptional eye for detail and a deep understanding of the relationship between technology and art, she excels in transforming mundane experiences into compelling, immersive experiences.
© I-Jon Hsieh