In The Sweet Machine, I explore the intersection of anonymity and connection through selfexpression. Wearing a rigid mask symbolizing emotional armor, a cigarette in their mouth, and
sweet candy earrings, this machine offers a glimpse of their true identity. This contrast serves as
a reminder that even the most guarded individuals are imbued with vulnerability and complexity
beneath their exterior.
The silhouetted figure reflecting in the lenses references the strangers we encounter in these
moments. A smoke break can create unexpected intimacy between people who may never speak
again. The mask represents the personas we maintain in these social settings, while the cigarette
becomes a social tool; something to hold, share, or focus on while conversations turn personal.
The encounter may be short-lived, but it reveals a flash of authenticity before everyone returns
inside