In
Reference to Muybridge: Motion Studios Surrounding
Land, Body and Spirit Politic, 2004
In this
digital artwork, the Swiss Mountaineer ascends a mysterious
mini-mountain, and places a flag on the top to claim
it. On closer inspection, this comical figure is actually
exploring toxic tailings – mounds of refuse too
toxic for a landfill. Referring to the motion studies
of Eadweard Muybridge, the movement is created from
digital still photographs. The character travels through
various fantastic environments. As he contemplates the
view from the top of the heap of refuse at the recycling
center, we are reminded that these environments very
real, and while often hidden from our view are often
not far from home.
This project was generated through a public art program
in San Francisco last fall. Artists were invited by
the Department of Space and Land Reclamation to submit
work that reclaimed the social, political or personal
space in the city. Robin Lasser, Adrienne Pao and John
Trefethen have collaborated on three projects over the
past year and a half involving students for San Jose
State University. They have been artists in residence
at the San Francisco Sanitary Fill where they shot some
of the footage. Lasser’s work with trash is an
extension of her interest in eating disorders and our
consumptive society.
In
Reference to Muybridge: Motion Studios Surrounding
Land,
Body
and Spirit Politic, 2004
DVD
duration 12 minutes
Printable Version
