Jello
Comprised of a series of jello cutouts from cookbooks, many self published by “Jello”, this stop motion animation explores Jello as a metaphor for “whiteness”.
When a St. Louis based activist asked a group of white people what the food of their culture was- the only thing they could think of was jello. Contemplating this idea, I became further intrigued by how Jello as a substance was originally transparent, but assumed the color/taste/course of that which was added inside. This reminded me of how whiteness encompassed and overtook certain ethnic groups or denied groups from entering its domain. Whiteness continued to mutate its definition as a means of maintaining power. Jello was also a food emblematic of middle class parties, the artistic prowess of the housewife, and a desire to fit in.
The entire piece was animated in the style of an advertisement. Vernacular String Trio created a catchy 50’s jazz soundtrack that matched the rhythm of the animation.
When a St. Louis based activist asked a group of white people what the food of their culture was- the only thing they could think of was jello. Contemplating this idea, I became further intrigued by how Jello as a substance was originally transparent, but assumed the color/taste/course of that which was added inside. This reminded me of how whiteness encompassed and overtook certain ethnic groups or denied groups from entering its domain. Whiteness continued to mutate its definition as a means of maintaining power. Jello was also a food emblematic of middle class parties, the artistic prowess of the housewife, and a desire to fit in.
The entire piece was animated in the style of an advertisement. Vernacular String Trio created a catchy 50’s jazz soundtrack that matched the rhythm of the animation.
