Last term for our interim presentations I experimented with installation. Blind Room was the result. At the time I had been looking a lot at the control of the artist over the spectator with works that require a more active role from the spectator. This is what I wrote my dissertation about.
The interior of Blind Room was completely devoid of light rendering sight useless within the space. This means that the audience must rely upon their sense of touch to guide them as they grope around the space. The lack of any light means that the atmosphere of the space instantly becomes ominous and removes the audience from a comfortable situation. Structures built within the space cause it to be harder to navigate and find your way around. There is no way to regain your sense of sight within the space, you must leave the space to be able to see again. There is a growing desire to leave the space, the longer you are in it, and difficulty finding your way out increases this desire. When you have left the space it is a relief though the harshness of the light from the studio is dazzling.
Inside Blind Room on the second day. Bits of light began to appear as the cardboard came away from the windows. The brighter weather also meant the light that came through was stronger than the day before. It was still dark enough within the room that when facing away from the source of light you could not see anything.
I have since moved away from creating installations and as mentioned in my blog intro, have begun to look at the nature of the gallery space.
