Note to Self : The Video
This video premiered as part of my larger installation in Austin Museum of Art’s traveling exhibition, “New Art In Austin: 20 To Watch” (2008-2009). The video was also featured in "Acting Out," the group exhibition guest-curated by Erin Riley-Lopez at the Bronx River Art Center (December 3, 2010 - January 8, 2011).
“Jill Pangallo interacts with an identical My Twinn doll commenting on the commodification of identity.”
“Jill Pangallo’s video and installation ‘Note to Self’ is a funny and disturbing portrait of obsession and mental illness. Playing an alter-ego version of herself, Pangallo encounters a note on a magazine ad for the 23-inch-tall “My Twin” doll that reads, “Jill, thought you might appreciate this.” Did she write the note herself? From what follows, it’s quite possible that the woman is crazy and deluded enough to trick herself into ordering a childlike doll custom-made to look exactly like herself. The “My Twin” doll seems to bring Jill the joy she seeks until we witness her on a coin-operated supermarket ride with little Jill, dressed in an identical outfit. Big Jill wears a creepily blank expression, as if the reality of her psychosis has taken hold, metaphorically taking her for a ride. Footage of Big Jill smothering the doll’s face with her mouth follows, and Note to Self veers into Andrea Yates territory. Pangallo’s video explores identity — we’re never sure about Jill’s motivations or whether the doll represents a child, a sister or Jill. Also on display is the actual doll along with its wardrobe, photographs and toys — all in all, a wonderful actualization of the world onscreen.”
