I HEAR YOU (video)

Please read the below explanation before viewing video:

Earlier this year I recorded 15 random people voicing what they felt the woman in the "I Hear You" painting was saying to them. I then burned these tracks to a CD.

Viewers at my FIRERHORSE interactive exhibit (Watermill, Tobago, 29 November 2014) were invited to sit before her one by one, wearing headphones, choose a random number and listen to that one track out of the 15—the experience being that the woman in the painting was talking to them.

This interactive installation was set up in an old watermill (stone tower in photo below)—an intimate space—just you and her and "her voice"/message for you. This video shows the top of the sugar mill, looking up at the moving clouds. The voice I used as the soundtrack is track #2 of 15 (Voice of Marion Robley). At the end, the painting which was the inspiration behind the recorded expressions briefly appears.

 The watermill in which the "I Hear You" 'audio painting' was located.

Dreams coming true x 2

The harvest moon in motion

She never introduced herself—just looked me directly in the eyes and started to speak. The first thing I remember her telling me was: "Have two exhibitions by the end of the year."

"How about one?"I asked her.

"Two," she said. Her expression never changed. She had a constant slight smile. She came across as kind but firm.

Then she said: "Never travel as if you are alone."

"But what if I am?" I asked her.

"You are not."

 ****

The above is an extract from this dream.

I didn't have to think about how the two exhibitions would happen. They are happening. The press release for one of them (written by the organizers) is below. The other will be announced in due course.

PRESS RELEASE

Masman Brian MacFarlane and international photographer Alex Smailes have lent their support to the first-ever traveling exhibition in the country.

MacFarlane, the man behind last year’s opening ceremony of the Fifth Summit of the Americas, has endorsed the exhibition “The Environment is You”, which promises to have a rather disturbing and dramatic effect on viewers as it catalogues the horrific pollution that has become the norm in Trinidad and Tobago. MacFarlane, who is currently in India showcasing two traditional Carnival characters at an international exhibition, says the aims of this photographic display are similar to his 2008 band Earth: Cries of Despair, Wings of Hope in its attempt to wake the people up to what is happening to our planet. “They must see the stark and grave reality of the environment that we live in,” he said.

Smailes has worked as a photojournalist in Haiti, the Balkans, the Caucasus, the Middle East, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, and now calls Trinidad home. His trademark searing images will be featured in the exhibition, which captures the damage done to our islands daily – the burning and clearing of hills for development; the careless disposal of cigarette butts that can cause fires during the dry season; rubbish strewn along highways, waterways, drains and beaches, and so on.

Artist Elspeth Duncan has also contributed her “Side Walk Series”, which shows the effect of poorly maintained manholes on unsuspecting citizens, with often tragic and unfortunate results.

The inspiration of Sandra Allum, director and lead tourism consultant for International Consultancy Limited, “The Environment is You” exhibition follows last year’s open day on San Fernando Hill where the focus was recycling, and the target group schoolchildren. “In essence, this year’s exhibition reflects the message that Nature is an enduring gift from God - treasure it! We hope to inspire our citizens and decision makers to make a serious attempt at preserving our environment,” explained Allum.

The concept of the travelling exhibition is the first of its kind in the country. The twenty large (6ft by 6ft) posters will make their debut on the fence of Queen’s Royal College around the Queen’s Park Savannah on October 3, where they will remain to haunt motorists until October 9. They will then be moved from location to location, taking their message throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

Corporate support for the project comes from bptt (British Petroleum), recyclers Piranha International, the Trinidad Hilton, Bella Treats and Green Cyclone Incorporated. Non-profit organisations such as the R4 Initiative, Greenlight Network and Earth Strong Trinidad and Tobago have also pledged their support.

The launch of the exhibition “The Environment is You” will take place on October 3 at the Savannah Terrace, Hilton Trinidad at 5pm.

All media houses are invited to attend. 

Dream woman gives me direct messages

Something just sparked the memory of a very clear part of my dream last night. I feel I remembered because I'm meant to do what was told to me.

I was at a gathering at someone's home. An attractive older woman, perhaps in her early 50's, left what she was doing and came across the room to me. She was wearing a khaki all-in-one "dress" that looked like some kind of protective services uniform. I got the feeling that she had just come from 'work'. She looked familiar and I can still remember her face, but I don't know her.

She never introduced herself—just looked me directly in the eyes and started to speak. The first thing I remember her telling me was: "Have two exhibitions by the end of the year."

"How about one?"I asked her.

"Two," she said. Her expression never changed. She had a constant slight smile. She came across as kind but firm.

Then she said: "Never travel as if you are alone."

"But what if I am?" I asked her.

"You are not."

The dream itself was surreal and dreamlike, but the part with the woman felt real, which is why it stood out. Did she mean to have two exhibitions by the end of the year 2010?

It is possible. "Exhibition" doesn't necessarily mean a big solo exhibition like I've done in the past—one which takes a while to produce. It could be something on a smaller scale.

I am 'exhibiting' new (and old) work all the time in various ways—mainly, as of late, through film screenings at festivals or at smaller events like this collaborative one at which my video for You Are Calling will be screened. But the two exhibitions she wants me to produce could be anything.

The thing is ... do I want to add anything more to my plate? Do I have the energy to focus on new projects now? Today, of all days, when I woke up and decided to focus on fewer things.

But the dream woman's directive was specific. It feels like it's beyond my logic and comprehension. Not something that I am to figure out—simply allow it to happen. Two exhibitions by the end of the year. I feel that by even writing about this on the blog, I am publicly announcing my agreement.

YES. I trust you. I accept the challenge. I accept my role as the clear channel for whatever and why ever these two exhibitions are meant to be.

STAY TUNED