(from my proposal for the 2nd installation)
Description:
The installation consists of one projection of a live camera feed using nightshot/infrared mode converted to b&w. This feed is fed through long delay (est 1-1.5 min) and real time effects. Activity in the room / on the camera dynamically controls the length of the delay, amount of visual echo and volume of the sound. More motion turns up the effects and sound. Less motion turns down the effects and sound.
Concept & Functionality:
I originally conceived the piece to be about ghosts, but it explores ideas of vanity, how we view art and if art exists void of an audience. I am guilty as most of quickly skimming a piece of art work.
The piece functions best in exploration of how we view art. If the installation room has no activity, there will be no image or sound — lifeless. For viewers to see themselves in the projection they need to be patient and wait for a couple minutes. If the viewer does wait to see themselves, what does that say about our desire to see ourselves?
As the view strong er walks into the room with the installation they see that it is a simple live camera feeding the projector. The video camera’s LCD screen is faced out so you can see that it is in fact shooting live video. They recognize the projector and stand that is behind them. They wonder why they are not in the image and realize the image is of the previous viewer. The current viewer will show up in the image after the long video delay but they will only see themselves if they wait long enough. The long delay keeps the piece from becoming a novelty, where people can immediately see a 1-to-1 reaction to their movement. The delay is long enough that you forget that your motions are being recorded and you act more normally.
2006, Group show at a warehouse gallery space in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood.
I have done this installation 3 times. The first felt the first show was the most successful. The piece was inspired and created specifically for that show. I had a abandoned dark room to work with which i later found out – having a dark room/background was key to the installation working.
2008 at ECHO, presented by M5 and The 86 Collective, Chicago IL
The 2nd installation tested the idea that i could do the installation in variety of spaces – not just a dedicated room. The reception was great and i won 2nd prize at the show (and didn’t know there was going to be prizes). I also missed receiving my prize again due to miscommunication. I learned that I really need a flat black background and a semi isolated space for the installation to work. I also found out that for a short while no one was manufacturing red light bulbs (odd). Having the dedicated room at the first instal made a huge difference in keeping the conceptual ideas functioning intact to make it something more than a fun house mirror. I also made a point of getting documentation of the video projection with the audience to see the interaction — vs a recording of the projection alone. Ideally, it would be best to have both to show side by side.
2009 Motion Graphics Festival, Chicago IL
The 3rd installation felt less successful. It was at a show intended to be full of interactive work. My memory seems to tell me it was only about half interactive, the rest was looping video projections or vjs. I think the idea of the piece on paper was perfect for the show. here I think the piece could have worked better but i would had to change some things, strip out the conceptual half that was the inspiration for the first show.
The show ended up feeling more party than art show – and a bit sonically chaotic for my taste. The space was amazing visually but was all concrete with acoustics similar to a roller skating rink, and there was a live band at one end of the room and dj sound system at the other end of the room so I immediately gave up on hearing the sound part of my installation.
I had a bunch of technical difficulties as i previously mentioned. So I wasn’t able to get much if any documentation of that show. I was trying to be the good host/sales person, but frankly just didn’t have the energy to explain the installation all night. I think January in Chicago beat me that time. There’s not a good way to plan to visit a city buried a foot and half of ice block frozen ice with 10 degree weather.
