top of page

assisted manifestations99

Fall 2023

Medium + Process:  inDesign, Illustrator, written text, printed paper
 

“Assisted Manifestations for $23.99”, presents a printed-out and completed e-book as a means in which to explore the protagonist’s internal and external world. Through completing these exercises, she seeks to manipulate her life by leveraging this self-help discourse on ‘manifestations’ that has recently made its way into popular culture. Tensions arise as she negotiates across ecosystems: there’s the potential of control over a ‘cerebral’ environment (mapped out in the e-book); there’s a built environment (the desires expressed by the protagonist); and a near-unacknowledged natural environment that encompasses the two.

​

Much of the ethnographic research I did for this project was through manifestation coaches on TikTok (like @hood.winkler, @lauragalebe, and @simplifying.sam), responses from their followers, and references to Dr. Joe Dispenza's works and media. Further exploration for this work was also aided by Chat GPT and later on verified through other resources. The aforementioned is not an exhaustive list, but more so a highlight of key references. 

​

I submitted this project for admission to the Fabrica artist residency program in Treviso, Italy. I have been accepted and will embark on the program staring March 2024.
 

manifestation_guidebook_01-01.png

The cover of the e-book that is hypothetically available for purchase online.

Page two2. (transcript)

I have replaced my teflon pan with all-clad stainless steel cookware. I have a BPA free plastic squeeze bottle next to my gas range stove. I’ve learned to heat the pan until the water “dances” on the surface. I tell myself I’ll just pack it in the next move. 

 

I bought a Le Bambole couch to replace the IKEA Ektorp couch. I left it in the old apartment. I could afford to not disassemble and move it. I am now Compasso d’Oro worthy so I buy couches designed by Mario Bellini. I sit on the couch and watch Netflix original series on my Samsung three4k television. I am now longer laptop-screen limited. 

 

I open the window to my Milan flat and I breath thick gray air. It’s heaviness reminds me of its presence. I breath and I breath and I thank god that it’s Milanese air. I ran a finger through window pane ash tray, one I bought on my travels in Granada (my friends ashes, I smoke rose gold IQOS). I am smart worker, so I vacationed to Islamic Empires, Grecian ruins, and Thai beaches.

Page one1. an introdution to the e-book

​

Page four4. (transcript)

It’s hard not to see acne scars and thinning skin underneath my eyes. But I have to remember this glass is shiny, clear and prescient

 

I see gel manicured fingernails clicking away at this years Mac Book air. I have Procreate on my iPad. I make vector animations that are really cool. I click away at that too because my nails are so glamorous enamel-hard.  I answer work emails on a Philippe Starck Ghost Chair. I have constant proposals for work. I get press inquiries and commissions. Despite all this work, I have perfect posture. And all my software is up to date and I paid for AppleCare. 

 

In the mirror world I have ponytail facelift eyes for perfect eyeliner. My skin is radiant from muddy, laserbeam, chemical exfoliant treatments for women that smell amazing. I smell like Dior and Aesop soap from the store in Piazza del Carmine and I wax my armpits and bikini line. I don’t see razor burns and stretch marks from the weight loss. I don’t see stained chipped tooth. Only Invisalign smiles. The kind that are trusted to manage big creative projects and mergers and acquisitions and … company dinners!

Page three. on the spiritual applications of the laws of attraction

​

COVER_imposed.jpg

The cover of the printed out e-book, in-situ as it's being filled out by the narrator.

Page five. (transcript)

​

  • your higher self's gift: you will find yourself as a higher-up (think c-suite) in a very successful direct to consumer beauty brand.

  • your request: I want to take full advantage of this opportunity

  • your higher self's conditions: make sure you demand your worth. Ask for a pay raise, work from home days, & vacation hours. And health insurance. Also some office snacks & a juice bar

  • your question: Will I be fitter? Happier?.. more productive? comfortable?

  • your higher self's path: Remember that you are worth everything & more you are entitled to anything you want in this life. Follow that.

  • your gratitude: I am grateful for my higher self!

Page seven7. (transcript)

​

I see myself with soho house rooftop pilates abs. I lemon slice, ice cubed sparkling water. My sweat does not smell. I have ab muscles in a set of 3 (not six) and slim arms. Breasts pressed high, near collar bones. I am inner zen, so high above the city I can’t hear trams, cars, taxis. I’m warm towel service and dyson supersonic hair dryer. 

  • Zen

  • Energized

  • Centered

  • Clean

  • Focused

  • tight

Page six. how manifestation occurs in the quantum field

​

Page eight. (transcript)

​

I desire: a home to come back to where the things are clean, the appliances work, and I can be a bit zen. I can relax my eyes on the nice things I earned. I desire things to function smoothly - no screaming about bills, lost TV remotes, creaky doors, or unwelcome guests.

​

  1. My own home

  2. My own home

  3. My own home

  4. My own home

  5. My own home

  6. My own home

  7. My own home

  8. My own home

  9. My own home

  10. My own home

  11. My own home

  12. My own home

  13. A home! That's mine!

  14. My own home

  15. Home sweet home

Page nine9. (transcript)

  1. By the time I leave, I will no longer crave a built environment. I hope I will not want for more. I will have had the Prada loafers, Maison Margiela dress coat, botox-preserved grin. I am warm underneath Castiglioni lamp, morning books bathed in better light. I will not need a Mercedes convertible - I already have one. 

  2. ​

  3. I was an empire builder, so I leave behind pillars of capital. I made san-serif labels for musk, rose, teak, effervescent, timeless perfumes. I approved global product logistic chains. I had two beachside properties, a catamaran, and a bronze plaque on a Frank Ghery art museum. I leave behind firm handshakes and an unforgettable logo. 

  4. ​

  5. When I am gone, you will not find faded handed me downs, Honda Civics, or food in gelato containers. There are no foot prints embedded into rubber house slippers or yellowing plastic fridges. What you find is a Le Creuset pot and a well tended garden of begonias. And embroidered linens. (They go to my daughter. If she doesn’t exist, then my friends.)

page ten0. Good-bye and come back for more.

if you like my work, let's chat >>> annalise.kamegawa (at) gmail.com

I'm also on LinkedIn & Instagram

bottom of page