Mirror Selfie--Female

Mirror Selfie: Female

Source: Screenshot of video on TikTok

Model: Tishmal (@tishmal)

The subject is actually the phone case. The user, Tishmal, is making a video to post on her social media accounts to promote her new phone case from MEMOR, an art studio that produces these ‘mosaic cases’ with precious objects buried inside a gummy like substrate that mimics the look of mosaic pottery. The case, the object of desire, wraps the precious phone in more precious and eclectic objects. With the phone often appearing in front of the face, it should be adorned to mesh with the aesthetic of the owner. The phone, and it’s case, is what’s seen first.

The human silhouette is sensitive to change. The addition of a “smart phone” has become as common as any article of clothing, and it’s perceived value draws attention to it as a signifier of occupation, personality type, and status. These small rectangular devices are seen in hands everywhere, constantly, so much so it is an acceptable way to be viewed and a distinguishable event--to be on one’s phone. In many photos shared online, you will see the phone before the person. The 3" x 5" floating object obstructing the view of the face. It is a place to hide--behind the phone screen.