will we ever reach where we think we’re going? or are we going as soon as we think we’re there? (2016)
A spotlight illuminates the work, with the translucency of the film allowing the shadows of themselves to transcend the tube before the last, multiplying and magnifying the blinking disorientation characteristic of the liminal phase. The shadows of passers and engagers get pulled through the work as they twist and warp, attempting to find a path but instead becoming separated and engulfed by the overpowering confusion (See Fig. 8). By producing a work that alters according to the audience’s interactions, the definition of the work is, in turn, continuously being altered, creating something that is eternally shifting; never settled. Like Zimoun’s works, the outcome is only controlled by the creator to a certain extent, the work relies on the interaction and input of the viewer, making them integral to the work’s meaning; the possible conclusions are endless, like those of the paradoxical, liminal phase.
The liminal, transitional state is constant, we never escape it, we never reach a definite point. My line of enquiry this semester became about giving physicality to the ambiguous, paradoxical state, about creating an opening for exploration of the endless opportunities it presents and bringing that into an external space for the viewers to investigate. Where usually it’s virtually impossible to grasp and sometimes infuriating and overwhelming to be within; I sought to pause this moment or pause you in this moment. I sought to create this transitional state that is perceptible, whilst not being completely clear through phenomena that transcend the purely physical. Referring to both a physical ‘liminality’ and a psychological one, the work talks of the communication between the two; an indecisive mind is an ambiguous person in the sense that a person without a decisive thought can hardly be read or understood completely, they can’t be compartmentalised to attempt understanding based upon your preconceived ideas of this context. This is where Will we ever reach where we think we’re going? Or are we going as soon as we think we’re there? offers its insights.
Images and video courtesy of the artist
