VARÚÐ! (March 2014)
VARÚÐ! was a collaboration between myself and sculptor William Beattie. Taking inspiration from Icelandic folklore, we conceptualized a theme park of sorts; for the installation, I created 6 characters, along with masks and costumes for each. William photographed each in a studio setting. We mounted these photographs in a gallery space; however, on the opening night when people came to see it, they found themselves confronted by three monsters in the room that demanded their attention. The monsters played with people, frightened them, and forced viewers to interact.
The room resembled that of an Arctic wreckage; filled with snow and ice and a crashed boat in the middle of the installation, one couldn't tell where the line was between static exhibition and performance. The installation existed outside of either, and was both.
Prior to the exhibit, we kept the event a secret, releasing teaser videos on Youtube and just a few images on Facebook. The posters were kept minimal as well, so the experience was completely empirical.
The video teaser below was one of several released prior to the event. Music produced by Maxxo.
Credits: Max Coburn, Matthew DeSanctis, Chiandra Giambrone, Charlotte Harris, Eleanore Purcell.