LITTLE BEASTS
Berlin DE
2025
Diminutives, or “cute” forms of words, are often used to express affection, familiarity, and tenderness. In German, adding the suffix -chen conveys sentiment toward the recipient, while in Chinese, diminutives often involve repetition—repeating a word like 狗狗 (gǒu gǒu, "dog-dog") or 猫猫 (māo māo, “cat-cat”) is akin to making something ちび (chibi), or miniature, in Japanese. This mechanism of endearment extends beyond language to the objects that populate our homes, such as tchotchkes, figurines, and fortune-bringing cats. Though not conventionally useful, these items serve as beloved artifacts that act as conduits for memory, affection, and joy.
Little Beasts explores our tendency to miniaturize as a means of capturing and holding our feelings. Using a mix of photography, 3D scanning, and imaging tools, beloved pets are caught mid-action and portrayed as miniature ceramic figurines. Beloved in their smallness, they endure as lasting embodiments of comfort and affection.
IN CHINESE, REPEATING A WORD LIKE 狗狗 (gǒu gǒu, "dog-dog") OR 猫猫 (māo māo, “cat-cat”) IS AN EXPRESSION OF ENDEARMENT.