Video Installation

Work in Progress

In the Snug with Thomas McGee

A three screen video installation.

Video 8 shot in Ireland March 2001.

Completion date: Late March 2002.

“Walls continue division. They shun neighbours. They block communication. The defining moment that signalled the end of the cold war was the falling of the Berlin wall. When a wall comes down, there is hope.” Diane Richard.

A Snug is a booth within a bar, walled off with its own door. They can be found in most old pubs in Ireland. Originally provided as a place for those who found drinking a problem, but liked to take a drink themselves without being seen. They are places for a quiet drink, away from prying eyes but you can still hear whats going on around you.

In the snug with Thomas McGee consists of:
A room within a room (See plan, quicktime movie and quicktime VR)
3 rear projected video loops shot on Video 8 in Ireland last year. Screens are 800 x 600 with a 6ft (approx) throw.
A series of artist run workshops with young Melbourne Citymission clients based around photography and video, resultiing in the text for the walls.
A Soundscape designed by Simon Maidment
The walls are arranged to provide “the hug” in both plan and section.
Progression through the space invokes a similar narrative to the snug,
i.e. a gradient of public-to-personal environment (bar to bookshelf)
Oh, and the library has the secondary function of storing the alcohol for the opening. (see QuickTime’s for further details)
The walls to be painted in reference to the highly reflexive Australian artist Imants Tillers:
Dominant colour scheme (abstract landscape) of deep rust red and dark petrol blue.

On top of this our histories are written:
Text from “Dalkey” and “The Brother” is stencilled without structure.
Overlays of images, personal & general, derive from the group focus of the work (Melbourne Citymission) For example, something as banal as transport stops, or debris, graffitti, et al.
The walls are arranged to provide “the hug” in both plan and section.
Progression through the space invokes a similar narrative to the snug,
ie. A gradient of public-to-personal environment (bar to bookshelf)
Oh, and the library has the secondary function of storing the alcohol for the opening. (see QuickTime’s for further details)
We are currently seeking funding for this work, as there are considerable costs involved. The video work is currently nearing completion (see video tape). The video will be delivered via DVD on a continuous loop, projected onto screen material.
The sound installation will be delivered via speakers mounted in each snug.
Leadlight and railings: An extravagance, granted, but one, which simultaneously evokes place
while deepening the shadows in the snugs.
SOFT FURNISHINGS
Black vinyl flat cushions. Uncomfortable, sexy, kitsch and sleazy.