Arts Award Part B

Part B : Arts event
For my Arts Award part B, where I have to be an auidnece member and review and share my experience, I chose the Harris Epaminonda exhibit at Site Gallery. As when we were first introduced to the art with an immense racket of drills and hammers ruining the atmosphere of enchantment I needed to go and spend some more time with it.

At first glance the exhibit seemed dull and boring but upon my second visit I felt the true nature of the work was revealed. During the silence of the gallery, a distant symphony of mystical music flowed from hidden speakers. This coupled with the real time silent movies from Cyprus demanded my complete transfixion on the piece.

The way the films contrast the silence (circuses parading unhappy animals and cars dragging trees) really creates an outer body atmosphere like a dream. The best piece was the circus scene which was inside an isolated gallery of complete silence. The generally ecstatic environment of a circus is contrasted by the silence. Getting you to focus on the misery of the animals performing.

Many pieces of art are great because they make you think, but this one is great because it doesn't. It’s a subconscious experience that’s more about feeling than a difficult answer.

The lack of sound and light focuses you on the art. The only thing you see, the only thing you can picture in your mind. All is emptied out except for the seemingly eternal film, transforming you to a zombie like state in which an hour becomes 30 seconds. Truly mesmerizing.