A Hero Ain't Nothin' but a Sandwich, 2007, silent/no sound, approximately 5 minutes duration
- 13 years ago
An excerpt from the Courtauld East Wing 8 Collection press release to describe this video:
The title of the piece is borrowed from a 1970's book dealing with a child's response to the adult themes of identity and family.Layers of contrasting and intentionally arbitrary signifiers combine in this piece to simulate the uncanny experience of deja vu, and the discomfort associated with partial recollection. The location of the room is never disclosed to the viewer. The cause of the mother's unconsciousness is uncertain: is she asleep, drunk or dead? Her face partially obscured, Rae's identity remains mysterious. Eventually, after receiving no response, the child wanders off to some unknown destination.
Installing the video in the homely environment of the Courtauld Student common room, Rae further creates an atmosphere in which viewers become participants in the drama, rather than impartial observers.
The title of the piece is borrowed from a 1970's book dealing with a child's response to the adult themes of identity and family.Layers of contrasting and intentionally arbitrary signifiers combine in this piece to simulate the uncanny experience of deja vu, and the discomfort associated with partial recollection. The location of the room is never disclosed to the viewer. The cause of the mother's unconsciousness is uncertain: is she asleep, drunk or dead? Her face partially obscured, Rae's identity remains mysterious. Eventually, after receiving no response, the child wanders off to some unknown destination.
Installing the video in the homely environment of the Courtauld Student common room, Rae further creates an atmosphere in which viewers become participants in the drama, rather than impartial observers.