fortification, 2002
My artistic practice involves imposing ephemeral phenomenological fantasies onto various sites through video installations, challenging the inherent dominance of place. “fortification” achieves this through capturing 24 hours of activity which gives voice to our fears, either rational or, more often, imagined and exaggerated.
Though place is not privileged per se, “fortification” was created specifically for the downstairs space at Depreau gallery. It delves into phenomenological explorations of private spaces, with a particular focus on cellars—spaces often associated with the unconscious and repressed memories.This installation prompts reflection on how we fortify ourselves against the external world, attempting to establish buffers, albeit sometimes ineffective. "fortification" effectively illustrates how we mentally “arm" ourselves in our imaginations.
Upon entering the cellar at Depreau, visitors are encouraged to step into the unconscious. Descending a dimly lit staircase, they encounter a substantial barrier—a wall. Audible sounds of rapid activity emanate, inviting viewers to explore further by circumnavigating the initial obstacle. A video projection reveals hands in swift motion, casting light on the room's interior. The frenzied and disjointed activity produces four types of objects: a large plane, a small plane, a boat, and paper men. The discarding motion of the hands, once an object is completed, directs attention to the ground where two substantial piles of these objects accumulate. This recorded activity, spanning a two-and-a-half-hour video, encapsulates a 24-hour work period, materializing in the form of these stacks of paper "defenses."
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