Systems go, Kathryn Gray, 2008
Systems go, Kathryn Gray, 2008
Not wrong and Systems go, Kathryn Gray, 2008
Not wrong, Kathryn Gray, 2008
Not wrong, Kathryn Gray, 2008
Systems go
SCA Gallery, Sydney, 8-28 July 2008
Systems go was based on asking questions about problem-solving. Interviews with a magician and a detective were conflated with a performative reading by a third indeterminate character. Their stories were silent and subtitled, projected on adjacent gallery walls opposite a construction of text, lights and mirrors.
Narratives were underscored with illusion, tricks and rhetorical flourish. The magician reflected on the art and business of magic, and the detective discussed devious human nature and his role – “just like fishing” – in finding answers. Subtitles shifted in and
out of synch with the footage. There was disparity between the textual and visual staging of the interviews, so that questions, answers, authenticity and performance did not quite equate.
Not wrong accompanied the video installation. The phrase I don’t think it’s untenable was cut though a plywood wall structure; on its reverse the alternate text
I don’t think it’s implausible was cut out backwards. This simple language trick was augmented by mirrored Perspex behind each phrase, casting reflections of the
words and of viewers, and appearing as
if only one sentence was cut right through the wall. The awkward words both affirmed and negated agency, narrating personal conviction but duplicitous in doubling, reflection and disavowal.
There was interaction between characters, words and viewers in the exhibition space. It was impossible to see or read all at once and so the silent dialogue, including repetitions, omissions, tricks and gestures, played out in complex sequences between protagonists. Systems go worked with narrative contingency and suspense to negotiate problems.
Systems go, Kathryn Gray, 2008
installation shots, SCA Gallery 2008:
Systems go, video installation with three 6:12:09 loops; and Not Wrong, text, plywood, mirrored Perspex and light structure, 3655x600x1242mm.
Image credits: Yanni Kronenberg.
