Detour

Mariah Webb

We all strive to be the best version of ourselves, to be in a place that makes us feel most comfortable. In getting to this point, there are many paths to take. There is not necessarily a right or wrong path. What is for certain is that some routes can lead you there faster than others, maybe more effectively than others, and some just lead you further back to where you started. In life I struggle with choosing a path. I feel directionless at times when it comes to knowing how to get to where I want to be. I may know what I want, or even know helpful ways to get there, but I find a way to second guess myself, have self doubt, and overthink the process. This can lead me to getting off the track, spiraling into confusion, or stuck in a roundabout of eternity.

Detour is a sculptural installation that visualizes this experience through portrayals of various routes that meander along with no clear beginning or end. The viewer is provided with a series of “lenses” in the form of windows, that allow for them to determine the direction they will navigate through the installation. Various tire marks create confusion as to which way one's supposed to go, creating stress for the viewer that they may not be going the “right way.” A road sign indicates a direction to follow, but our own agency determines the outcome.