Auntiedote: Auntique Hair Support

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Born in the 1980s, during the nation-building years of Singapore, the artist behind Niceaunties experienced a childhood shaped by the influential women in their family. From infancy to the age of nine, they lived with grandparents, aunties, and uncles while their parents worked. This upbringing was heavily influenced by the women of the household, as cultural norms dictated their primary role in childcare. Their early life was marked by the presence of remarkable women, including a great-grandmother who had experienced bound feet, a grandmother who transitioned from a life dedicated to kitchen duties to two decades of bedridden existence, and a sociable mother, along with eleven aunties. These women, embodying a spectrum of suppressed talents, passions, and dreams, were a mix of strange, funny, mean, and kind personalities, fueling the narrative of Niceaunties.

The exhibition AUNTIEDOTE builds on the AUNTIEVERSE series, spotlighting auntie culture's unique take on beauty and fashion. The videos offer a glimpse into the day-to-day life within the AUNTIEVERSE, highlighting the endearing and quirky behaviors that define auntie culture. From their distinctive approach to fashion to their unconventional beauty hacks, these narratives celebrate the individuality and influence of aunties. The accompanying prints encapsulate these themes, providing a static reflection of the dynamic world of aunties.

AUNTIEDOTE is an invitation to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of auntie culture, with all its charm and eccentricity, and its impact on the broader spheres of beauty and fashion.

This video shows the discomfort aunties face due to their large, heavy hairstyles and the structural support they require. Dealing with back and neck pains, some visit AUNTIE'S HAIR SUPPORT, a service offering hair maintenance and lumbar support. Here, treatments lighten and volumise their hair, making it self-supporting. The mattress department customises products for every hairstyle, ensuring comfortable sleep and support for all aunties. This unique business is currently thriving in the AUNTIEVERSE. Additionally, the video subtly draws a parallel between the physical burden of the hair and the metaphorical weight of responsibilities that aunties, much like the women in my family, bear for their families and loved ones.

This AI film was created, animated, and edited by Niceaunties in the programs Dalle3, magnific.ai, Runwayml and Suno.ai.

Sound design by Niceaunties, AI-generated music by Niceaunties.