Supported by grants from the Rhode Island State Arts
Council and Rhode Island 2000 Commission
Todd Winkler, video, sound, set design, programming;
Karina Lutz, interviews, editing
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Maybe...1910 is an interactive sound and video installation
that explores concepts of memory, based on interviews conducted with Rhode
Island seniors discussing experiences from childhood and major life events.
Video processing simulates the quality of memory, which may be lucid, blurry,
fragmented, or incomplete.
Additional
video clips illustrate the stories with historical footage.
The set, resembling an old bedroom, creates a feeling
of intimacy and familiarity - a kind of memory space. Viewer's movements
and actions are tracked throughout the room using light and pressure sensors
attached to a computer (using the ICUBE System), controlling audio and
video playback. There are light sensors on each drawer of a dresser and
vanity, light sensors in the room, and pressures sensors on the bed, arm
chair, and under two throw rugs. Many old objects (old photograph, maps,
vintage clothing) are placed in the drawers and around the room illustrating
aspects of the stories. Viewers reflect on their own lives and memories,
stimulated by the stories, the physical sensations and smells of old objects
and furniture, and the rich quality of the voices and images.
Each sensor plays video and audio files based on a theme,
with accompanying objects placed
in the drawers and around the room, representing the stories told.
Each trigger can play six different video and audio clips, so that most
repetition is avoided. The hard disks contain 45 minutes of high-quality
video, and 25 minutes of additional sound files.
There are three video sources visible in the room: a
large monitor disguised as an old television set sits on top of the dresser,
a second large monitor hides behind a two-way
vanity mirror, and a third source is projected so that it appears as
the viewer stars out the bedroom window. The video processing may include
the addition of sepia tones, noise, fades, and masking background areas
to black. The window contains primarily flashback scenes of historical
scenes. In the case of the vanity mirror, the black background becomes
reflective, so that faces appear to be floating within the mirror image
(and participants simultaneously see their own reflection)s.
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