Interactive Telecommunications
Program, NYU, 2001
Artist's Television Access, 2003
Start
Soma, 2004
There is a picture frame hanging in the corner
of a room. A small, still image of an outdoor architectural
detail is seen on the glass. The sound of traffic fills the
room. As you approach the picture frame, the sound fades
and the still image grows larger, crossfading with video
of someone speaking. They look uncomfortably at the camera
as they talk about their experiences with panhandlers. If
you watch for too long, the video grinds to a halt, waiting
for you to take action. As you back away, the image again
cross-fades to a new still image. Intrigued, you come forward,
and see a different piece of video.
With this project, I
am trying to make the audience aware of the power that we
unconsciously exercise when we ignore what we see: in this
case, panhandlers. I am doing this by facing the audience
with the overt reactions and discomfort of other passersby.
The audience must stand uncomfortably close to the video
in order to see the whole thing, The faces of the speakers
are directly in front of them, speaking of an issue that
we rarely discuss. |