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Experience a powerful installation in Naarm / Melbourne
artists
25 February 2010
I don't think I've seen a great installation since Sarah Duyshart's exhibition "The Lure of Echo" (read my blog post about her installation).
Installation is difficult to execute; there are many elements involved, especially technical issues relating to structure and performance.
On Thursday 18 February 2010 I went to the opening of "Slow Dance" by Shay Minster at West Space, in Naarm / Melbourne.
"'Slow Dance' examines the tragic comedy of the human condition. Appearing familiar and amusing at first, the project explores the suppression experienced when a personality is radically altered through the manipulation of their environment. A clown motif – drained of its usual high colour and its joyous free dance restricted – flails about in a futile attempt to fulfill its intended purpose. Stuck in endless repetition, 'slow Dance' confronts, in an absurd manner, the existential vacuum."
Shay Minster:
- constructed the room to be smaller
- painted the walls, ceiling and floor in white
- hid every cord possible
- placed electrical sensors for the air pump to work
- lit the clown with fluorescents that were strategically placed to light the room.
The immaculate presentation is all part of why this installation is so successful, not to mention that the concept is strong and clear, and the work has emotional connection with the viewer.
- The "Clown" is white.
- The "Clown" is unmasked.
- The "Clown" does not fit.
- The "Clown" is restricted.
- The "Clown" is a misfit in this space.
Haven't we all felt like this at one point in our lives?
Go and experience this powerful installation:
What: "Slow Dance"
When: until 13 March 2010 (Wed to Friday, 12pm to 6pm; Saturday, 12pm to 5pm)
Where: West Space (Gallery 3) – Level 1, 15–19 Anthony Street, Melbourne, VIC (view location on Google Maps)
Shay will be giving a free artist talk on Thursday 11 March 2010, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.