Changes in the Scale of a Map
2008
Two channel video installation (with sound), projected on two sides of a purpose-built wall, dimensions variable
Shown as part of THT exhibition, Museum of Contemporary Art, Zagreb
Text excerpts/spoken word from the video:
‘Looking without remembering, is that at all possible?
What does it say in your guide?’
‘So that when she closed her eyes, she might choose from a wild array of images and stories. Picking up wherever, and settling down whenever. Of course truths and equalities are at stake, but that’s to be fought for, and argued over.’
Now to the more solid forms of evidence, the apparently stubborn and steadfast. Buildings, objects and things. The monoliths, adamant that history took place.
Look at this curvaceous, rectangular, mean glass vessel, dress, tool-thing. In its current life, it’s absolutely still and motionless. Still behind glass. Still firmly embedded in the time before it was taken away to be re-housed.
How are we supposed to understand the city through these objects? We can look at the fabrics, patterns, materials and then know something of the dress, the costume, the craftsmanship, but we know less of the character.
We can write to fill in the gaps. Close your eyes and invent stories based on objects and images. Think of these things and images as starting points, keys and clues.
The doctor, the baker, the cleric, the playwright. Amongst a stream of people on the street. Where do they lead? What do they care?
This is a city built of images and tales.
What’s new?