Metaphors in works of
art draw our attention away from the exact meaning of a depicted image,
and remind us of similar qualities in something else. A metaphor is not the same
as a symbol, which stands for something else (like a flat, red octagon stands
for the action stop). In a metaphor, the meaning between the objects
and ideas is similar, yet different. In Stephanie Torberts work, windows
and doors are metaphors for passageways into other worlds. They show you the way
to a different reality. Literally, a window is an opening in a wall. It becomes
a metaphor when Torbert uses it to question our positions in the outdoor and indoor
worlds we inhabit. Its meant to confuse the viewer, in sort
of a special way, explains Torbert. Not as if you are standing on
a street corner and youre lost, and you dont feel good because youre
lost. Its not about that kind of confusion, its about the kind of
confusion that leads you to a new world. |