The Fourth Wall
The homemaking of the honey bee, the journey of a monarch migration, the synchronized flashing of a firefly swarm, and the congregation hunting of a dragonfly are all considered somewhat magical and mysterious aspects of nature. How could these seemingly uncommunicative, simple, and humble creatures be responsible for such epic feats of organization and creativity? This ongoing investigation of insects’ collective brilliance, communication, and swarm accumulation is what fuels my artwork. Studying these behaviors of the insect worlds opens up new ways of thinking about human interactions and communication. With a world so involved with virtual communication, I think it important to realize the value of this social dialogue.
As I continue to study the complexities of these insects, I have been compelled to create small mirrored boxes filled with multiple reflected swarms of a specific species. The box intentions can only be seen through small coverings. As a viewer moves closer to this mythological realm I have created, the focal point of the habitat becomes more organized, focused, and infinite. The intimate and welcoming space gives desire of entering this swarm of insects. Allowing one to weave through the masses filled with determination, purpose, and interaction. These pieces offer exploration, discovery and movement integrated so as to display communication and continuity in the community seen in their realm to then explore in our own socializing.
The Fourth Wall: Entering the show, five pillars standing 4' 9" with colored light shining through.
Breaking the Fourth Wall: Installation of 500 wings hanging in a small cubical room.
Breaking the Fourth Wall
Installation: Breaking of the fourth wall, that barrier to now enter the small box and interact with the swarm and others viewing the piece.
Observing
Observing your surroundings: As one moves from box to box, peering into insect communities, a desire of wanting to be inside the box becomes more apparent. This box allows that desire to be fulfilled. When a viewer looks inside of the small hole, the environment they see is the gallery; they see the outside of the piece they are looking inside of. The visual is a live recording of the space. However the twist is that the live recording has a 15 second delay, therefore as the viewer looks inside of the box they are able to observe themselves approaching the piece and their reactions to the piece. Suddenly the roles are switched. The observer becomes part of the artwork. This piece provokes the same questions the insect boxes pose. What is the identity of the object seen inside, what are they doing, how are they surviving, and how are they interacting and communicating?