The exhibition is concerned with investigating urban spaces and narratives. These investigations have taken the form of stop motion animations, video installations, sound installations and interventions made in urban landscapes. I explore both the idea of journeying and take on the role of the outside observer – the noticing and documenting eye in the midst of an anonymous bustle.
On a recent residency in Paris at the Cité Internationale des Arts, as the winner of the Gerard Sekoto Award (from August – October 2008), I became particularly interested in the first steps of navigation one takes upon entering an unfamiliar environment. I observed a range of newcomers to Paris streets – the tourists, the West African immigrants, the gypsies. The newcomer’s experience is shaped by an anticipation of the city : its potential mystery, romance and fear.
Positioning oneself using maps, directions and public markers creates a sense of personal purpose and agency, making it possible to feel a certain connection with the environment. This engenders a feeling of solidity and assurance, and allows you to be inquisitive and aware of your presence in the space. This is a comforting, appealing sensation, giving a context and narrative to a circumstance. There is a pre-empted, imagined journey that takes place with a finger on a map, or in a narrative described by a stranger. I worked with this concept extensively during the residency, using maps, guidebooks and vocal directions as starting points for drawings, stop motion animations and sound installations.
On my return to New York, I began relating these observations to my present circumstances – as a recent resident. I began a series of small experiments and interventions that explore similar interests in first encounters, agency in familiarity with a location and the appearance of a native resident.