Decomposure

2022

Single-channel color video with sound, 16:9

1 minute, 0 seconds

Decomposure is a self portrait which focuses on the relationship between growth and decay. The natural world functions in cycles: when one thing dies, it gets reintegrated and aids in new life and growth. Tessa explores this idea visually, subtly questioning how regret, trauma, and experience can be transformed into avenues for personal growth. 

The bust, flora, and fauna in this work were sculpted from a wax based clay, allowing for the animation. This was one of Tessa’s first explorations into sculpting, as well as her first 3D stop-motion project. A second version of this project utilizes the original footage, adding a 2D frame by frame overlay, incorporating color and renewed life into the piece.