Solipsistic Solitude
Preview in Ameslan (ASL) version. The white speech balloon represents the white fish's speech, whereas the orange speech balloon represents the orange fish's speech.
Preview in English version. The video includes the English translation.
Year of creation: 2003
Medium: NTSC 720x480 video
Size: 4min 34sec (English version) + 4min 34sec (ASL version)
Languages: English subtitle, Ameslan (ASL)
Based on a "Knowing Fish" Zen parable and existentialism, two intelligent fish discussed about existence, knowledge, and simultaneous cycle of solitude and connection. Humans are connected to each other in physical proximity, yet their perceptions and experiences are untransferable to one another; thus, they are radically alone, which is solipsism, the reality of self. Solitude is also associated with creativity and originality.
Related works: Sounds of Silence, Absurdity in a Flower.
"The irony portrayed is powerful since alienation can be a state of mind, whether alone as individual or a member of a community, yet still alone." -- Teresa Fleming, 2005.
English subtitle and Ameslan on DVD for $8.95 plus $4.00 for shipping and handling.