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Honne + Tatemae
by Deb Salter

“Honne + Tatemae," explores the Japanese concept of the contrast between one’s true feelings (honne) and outward behaviors (tatemae) through sculptures, drawings, direct window paintings, and digital projections. As a biracial individual navigating dual cultural identity, Deb will use the window as a metaphor for the protective barrier between appearance and reality, while the sculptures symbolize the masks she wears in public. The culmination of the exhibition is a live self-portrait, reflecting the continuous evolution of her true self as observed by the audience.

Where am I placed in the world? I live somewhere between cultures and function as a 'normal' person in public. 


Honne and tatemae are Japanese concepts that symbolise one's two faces- "Honne" translates as 'true sound' and represents a person's true thoughts and feelings that are only expressed amongst close friends and family.  By contrast 'tatemae' translates as 'facade' or 'built in front' and is the face reserved for the outside world. 


As the child of an Australian father and Japanese mother, I grew up a part of both cultures, yet did not fully belong to either. To complicate this situation further, I am neurodivergent and developed my own facade early in life. The exhibition demonstrates a 'floating world', a space that is ambiguous, and incorporeal to represent my place in the world.

- DEB SALTER

Window 1 (Arch window) 
"Mona Lisa as geisha" Acrylic paint on existing window.
"Shadow self" paste up, acrylic paint on paper

Window 2 (Main window)
"The moon no Musashi Plain (after Yoshitoshi)" acrylic paint on existing window
"Kitsune mask" papier mache, acrylic paint
"The Asajigahara Ghost" acrylic paint on found panel.

Window 3 (corner window)

"Wolf guide" video installation, papier mache, acrylic paint

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