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The Ascension (2007)

Picture 062

From the Perfect Human Series (2005- 2007)

Date: 2007

Medium: Performative Installation and Video

Installed as an immersive environment feat. 4 channel video projection, slide projections, wall drawings and mixed media.

During the course of three months in early 2007 the artist transformed his studio into an experimental space that would act as an extension of his subconscious thoughts and desires.

During this time elements from his daily life, his surroundings and activities, were brought into the studio: a television, washing powder, insecticide, various kitchen appliances, liquor and books, amongst others. The artist also kept a visual diary (The Diary of Johannesburg) comprising drawing and written material that slowly filled up the space. All of these elements were then connected via a complex network of strings and ropes.

ascension-3

Added to this was a complex, though low-budget, installation of movement sensors that would trigger different sets of lights placed in various area of the studio. Thus the studio kept changing with every new day and with every movement within the space. Throughout this time the artist continually interacted with each element, discovering it anew through a growing web of conceptual, formal and psychological affinities and differences

ascension4

Two cameras were mounted in the space , recording hours worth of footage that was later edited into various sequences from which ‘Terms of endearment’ and ‘The Ascension’ were taken. For ‘The Ascension’ sound artist Shane De Lange composed a soundtrack from sound samples taken from early Disney animations. However these work swill become a single installation in its final, exhibited form.

(Preview copy only – not full artwork)

Below is a selection from series of photographic stills that will become part of a slide projection within the final installation space. Original drawings from the ‘Diary of Johannesburg’ will be included.

Video still 1
Video still 1
Video still from 'The Ascension' (2007), Johan Thom
Video still from ‘The Ascension’ (2007), Johan Thom
Video still from 'The ascension' 2007
Video still from ‘The ascension’ 2007




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      • ProSpecter (2010)
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      • Authored
        • Kendell Geers at the Steven Friedman, London
        • Life intimidating art, The Diplomat, Sept/Oct 2007
        • The sleeping monster produces reasons : Diane Victor
        • Taming the Trojan Horse: Disarming the Politics of Otherness in a Postcolonial (African) Context
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