Installation view - UNSW Art and Design, 2018; Lump wood charcoal (120kg), black glass (diameter 84cm), video projection and sound work; Dimensions variable; Photograph: Georgie Bridge
The experience of witnessing the suffering and death of a loved one was a catalyst in the creation of Untitled, yet the main intention of the work was to create a space or field conducive to contemplation, stillness and presence - a space in experience not unlike the Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas where artist Mark Rothko was commissioned to create a meditative space filled with his paintings. The conceptual foundation for this work was to create an immersive multimedia installation where, rather than death, cycles and changes of state or form and ‘other dimensionality’ are the focus of contemplation.
Untitled has at its centre a large creator like mound of charcoal with a circular centre of black glass. A film projection of a static image of the full moon slowly rising over the installation reflecting in the black glass creating a sense of stasis, an out of time dissonance. The faint smell of charred wood and a ‘Dadaist’ inspired sound work envelopes the installation. The echoing sound of birds and glossolalia - incomprehensible speech in an imagined language - reverberates unintelligible discourses in the still dark monochrome space.
The purpose in leaving the work untitled and not describing the many layers of embedded meaning is to relieve the work of being constricted in interpretation and leave the viewer free to explore their personal associations, impressions and meaning.
