Creating shelters is an inherent part of the history of mankind. Shelters, habitats, physical and psychological spaces that provide protection and comfort, can be found across the globe. Throughout civilization, the shelter has acquired many other meanings related to wealth, status, religion, family life, notions of community, and privacy. The shelter, or the house, is an extension of our own body, clothing, and personal space. Through shapes of clothing and housing, it shows us the aim of humans to settle and enrich themselves. Looking for prosperity and well-being is rooted in our genes and psyches.
The works ‘Targets of Prosperity I and II’ show different aspects of these secure mental spaces. I used the analogy of the Buddha of Prosperity, relating to the belief that giving money to the fat bellied Buddha promises wealth and protection to the giver. Inside a gold-plated shelter the visitor can see a video of myself posing as a beggar, sticking the money I receive onto my belly and under my breasts.