In June 2016, I was invited to show my installation A Memory Rewound at the Satellite Gallery, located in downtown Asheville, NC. It was a great experience and I loved having the opportunity to work with the owner. The space was challenging because I've never installed Complexities of the Mind in a space that had low (which really means normal) ceilings. I wanted to show off the large nature of the piece, but had to make it a comfortable space for viewers to walk around in. In four short days I took on the challenge and installed the show for a Friday night opening.
Following the show, I had Shonie Joy Kuykendall, a friend and talented photographer, take photos of my show. I want to share a few of my favorite shots from her collection here because they are such beautiful photos that capture the mood I try to create with my show. Viewers are invited to be close to my work. I want you to be able to see the work almost from within.
Complexities of the Mind, Crocheted VHS tape, Photo by Shonie Joy Kuykendall
Light and texture is a huge inspiration for me. Photos sometimes don't do enough justice to the experience of seeing the VHS in person. It's reflections shimmer in the crochet texture, and is constantly changing as you walk around the piece. I love the selective focus used on the photo above because it captures the glimpses of light you experience in person.
Play Over (Again), Crocheted VHS Tape, Photo by Shonie Joy Kuykendall
Selective focus is important for the piece Play Over (Again), because you really need to feel like a small part of the world it creates. Lines of memories zoom from point A to point B in your mind, a wired, complex, and tangled timeline of portions of your life and existence recorded for you and you alone. Which moments are more important to keep on file? How often can you visit them without it getting distorted?
Distorted, Manipulated Plastic VHS Cases, Photo by Shonie Joy Kuykendall
The above photo is almost confrontational. The motive behind this piece is that from afar we may think we see things clearly; however, upon closer inspection, we realize our most important memories have been changed in ways we may not even understand. Our experiences in life modify our memories without us knowing. This is neither good nor bad. It is what it is. We accept this. This photo captures my rocking chair piece, titled Distorted, face-on. Close up and personal, recognizing its flaws and accepting them.
View all the images from A Memory Rewound at the Satellite Gallery in my Installations Portfolio.
Also, check out more of Shonie's amazing work on her website: Joylight Photography.