space invaders

ARTIST STATEMENT

My project is multiple video installations in different locations downtown Peterborough. These projections will be of silhouettes of myself working (painting, writing, playing/recording) projected on to scrim installed against window panes. These videos will play on loops throughout the evening. The idea is to draw attention to the disappearance of affordable artist studio space in the downtown area. One of the locations I'm projecting from is my old studio space above the Spill. Artists are not allowed to use the spaces anymore because of fire codes. My next studio I was recently kicked out of so they could convert it to office space. I'm currently studio-less. The second installation will be in the window at Showplace. This location was offered to me later in the project but I like the idea of having a projector setup there showing an artist actualizing their project. The purpose of this project is to draw attention to an important part of the art’s community in Peterborough; the artist’s studio/space. By re-creating these spaces via video projections, I hope to inform people about the deterioration of a very important part of what makes Peterborough an active artistic community, as well as open and encourage discussion about the cultural planning and urban development of the downtown environments and the importance of maintaining affordable working spaces for artists to work in.

As well I think it's important for people to know that there is a strong subculture of artists/musicians working in this town in artist spaces that are rarely seen. I find that comforting to know.

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This was just a quick shot off my Blackberry. I will document both setups once they are up and running tonite with both photos and video. This project is part of Artsweek 2008: http://www.artsweekpeterborough.com/