The Uncanny Valley of the Dolls series is both inspired by and an ongoing chapter of the Dialectics collection. In this collection, I create mostly non-linear narratives that use the metaphor of disasters or conflicts to express emotional response to difficulty or trauma. While the Dialectics videos contain multiple scenes, Uncanny Valley of the Dolls videos are usually a single, poignant scene.

I use dolls to convey innocence and vulnerability, avoiding the misunderstandings that realistic images of children might cause. Realistic images of children may also trigger the Uncanny Valley phenomenon, leading to viewer disengagement. By using more abstract characters, viewers can often more easily project themselves onto the dolls, creating a deeper emotional connection.

As with most of my videos, there is an underlying threat, though its nature often remains ambiguous. The dolls are in difficult situations, and viewers witness their experiences and reactions. This series plays on the title of a well-known novel and film, emphasizing the eerie and unsettling atmosphere.

Sound design by Barbara Chira.