"The Like Me" by Lala Drona
The newest addition to artist Lala Drona’s video series “La Minute Ladrona (The Stolen Minute)” has just been released: Title: “The Like Me” (video below.)
As if social media were a cosmic invader on the human species, the video begins with a view of Earth from outer space, and lands in Lala Drona’s home city, Paris, France. The viewer finds the artist underground, inside an air shaft. Alone, and illuminated only by the light of her phone, she begins to voice opinions and expressions that have become all too familiar to anyone growing up post-millennial.
The performance art video “The Like Me” delves into the isolating effects of social media through its guise of connection. This video experience, examines the normalised anxiety we feel on a daily basis.
The art performance video series “La Minute Ladrona” exists within the context of a confined space. The black backdrop and unknown location capture the viewer for a moment of intimacy through the screen. However, “The Like Me” stands to be the first time Lala Drona has located herself in the context of our outside world— now injecting elements of story into this video series.
“The Like Me” being the 7th, and most recent instalment, has critics and academics alike seeing the beginnings of an evolution regarding the art video series. As one critic in the L.D. Confidential stated: “The Like Me is the first time that Lala Drona has played with the idea of space and context. She has become a being which exists in our shared world, albeit still hidden in the dark corners of it. She is publicly appropriating the role of “observer.” The detailed work regarding lighting, place and concept, shows a confidence and artistic maturity. This new instalment promises more exciting things to come regarding Lala Drona’s work.”
This video has Art fans asking if this video is a sign of coming changes in Lala Drona’s social media presence. Perhaps this video is what remains from the journey she’s made from tool to master. One thing is certain: the creation of this piece shows us that no one is immune to the effects of social media. Even when an artist attempts to evade it, its omnipotence proves itself by resurfacing in her work.
To see more from Lala Drona, visit www.laladrona.com or insta @dronalala