Story 7. In between the panels

This piece draws inspiration from a line in my favorite movie, “Super”: ‘That’s what happens in between the panels.

Source of idea

The opening and ending scenes of "Super"

In the movie “Super” the main character, a middle-aged man, begins a soliloquy at the film’s outset, reminiscing about the scene, saying, ‘I’ve had two perfect moments in my life.

He illustrates the two scenes using colored pencils and places them on the wall. One depicts the moment of marrying his wife, while the other portrays the instance of spotting a snatcher on the street and promptly informing the pursuing police officer, saying, “Over there!”

Despite his life being generally dark and challenging, with childhood bullying and a lackluster adolescence, two perfect moments have allowed him to find a sense of pride, contrasting the otherwise gloomy narrative.

In the end, it’s the movie’s final scene. He sits on the bed, surveying the room, mirroring the composition of the opening scene.

Unlike the opening scene, the walls are adorned with numerous paintings. The room is filled with diverse artworks, ranging from one at a friend’s wedding to another capturing street interactions and even one depicting the time he raised a rabbit.

It’s a stark contrast from the life he initially believed had only two positive aspects. His life underwent a transformation after a particular incident. However, the occurrence of that ‘incident’ doesn’t guarantee only positive outcomes for him. What changed is his daily attitude, perspective, and his approach to life.

Everyday life is full of treasure-like moments.

About the “gaps” in life

Libby (Ellen Page), a girl with a profound love for American comics, makes an appearance.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

One of her lines is, ‘in between the panels! Is that where we are right now?’ This unique expression is characteristic of her passion for comics.

By examining each panel in a comic, readers can unravel events, stories, and characters’ emotions. However, the time between the panels, the blank spaces where events are not depicted, remains a mystery to the reader. A seemingly virtuous character may be having an affair, or a hero might be in discussions with an evil final boss, unseen in the illustrated frames.

There are likely aspects not documented on the panels—things hidden from the public eye, events unpublicized in life.

“What happens between the panels” is mysterious and fascinating. Let your imagination run wild as you wonder what might be happening in that gap. If you could turn over the panels and take a peek, there would be truths that are not depicted there, inner feelings that are not expressed on the surface which no one knows or understands.

The mystery sparks curiosity, and the audience might find comfort in enjoying it without delving into what lies behind.

  • Life is filled with moments resembling treasures spread across a wall.
  • As Libby’s dialogue suggests, countless “events between the panels” exist, including unforgettable moments and cherished memories that, though inexpressible, undeniably exist.

The beauty of everyday life/unexpressed value

Each individual possesses their own memorable scenes and significant moments.

Reflecting on a commemorative photo of winning an award or a group photo with friends can evoke the happiness of that moment. For instance, photos on Instagram capture and share scenes from one’s life.

However, these photos represent only a small part of a person’s life, often capturing moments from extraordinary times.

Naturally, the unphotographed moments vastly outweigh the ones depicted.

What is important in life is not only what is visible and tangible.

“True things,” hidden stories, and meaningful daily life exist in moments not captured by the media—quiet days, tranquil daily life, and private encounters with someone special.

The most valuable moments in life often exist in unexpressed spaces.

Expressing the concept of gaps.

The idea of “between the panels” is a three-dimensional interpretation of a two-dimensional comic, considering the imaginary world as part of the real one.

 

In this work, I designed to create a “space gap.” A shape created by creating a “gap” by composing a two-dimensional image (like paper) of a panel (one surface). I aimed for a shape that would look like the wall was folded over or recessed, creating a gap. It can also be thought of as a vase that brings a “gap of imagination” into the real world.

Expressions like “turn over” and “dent” offer various possibilities for portraying a “gap.” In this instance, I created a vase with a gap between four panels.

In another version of the same series, I created a piece where the surfaces (walls) were cut and curved.

Arrange flowers in the gaps in the space.

If one could peek into the gaps representing the essence of people, life, behind the scenes, and things not visible on the surface, it would be wonderful to find a delicate flower blooming peacefully there.

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