Why Can't I Be You?

Why Can't I Be You? was made in 1996 specifically for Yerself is Steam, the exhibition Iain & Jane curated that summer at 85 Charlotte Street in London.

The piece consists of a simple pine box frame containing two elements - a scruffy piece of folded paper with the lyics to the song 'Why Can't I Be You?' by The Cure typed on it and a 6" x 4" photograph of Iain dressed and styled to resemble Robert Smith, lead singer of the group.

When Iain and Jane had first thought about making this piece they had originally planned to use a Cure fan looking like Robert Smith in the image. Trying to find the right person they spent several days photographing fans hanging around and waiting in line outside Cure concerts. The idea of using a fan was eventually scrapped in favour of using Iain in the image. Here's some of the people Iain and Jane met and considered using:

Why Can't I Be You?
Mixed Media. 240mm x 355mm. (1996)

First exhibited in Yerself is Steam at Charlotte Street, London during July - August 1996.

 

Where to now? ----------------------- Yerself is Steam Double Life ----------------------- A Japanese Dream Damaged Nocturne ----------------------- Shows Press -----------------------

 

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