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.

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