Collaboration with Ariel Nasr
Public site-specific audio/video installation
Dimensions: 2 screens (9 1/2 x 16 1/2 ft.) 24 ft. between screens
Materials: Scaff-holding, fabric, projectors (x2), audio speakers, video
Completed: 2011
The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan often feels like an abstract concept for many in our country, lingering just beneath the surface of our collective consciousness. Yet, Canada’s involvement in the defense and development of the new Afghan republic represents one of the most significant investments of resources and lives in our nation’s history, marking our first major combat mission since the Korean War. As we reflect on over a decade of this complex conflict, the psychological landscapes of both Canada and Afghanistan have evolved in profound ways.
Curated by Sarah Fillmore, this project served as the centrepiece for The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia during Halifax's 2011 Nocturne Festival. Artist Ariel Nasr positioned himself in the heart of a bustling market street in Kabul, employing a unique setup of two identical cameras placed back-to-back. This innovative approach allowed him to capture the vibrant activities of the local population as they flowed past him, creating a striking "interruption" in the otherwise continuous movement of the street.
To further engage the audience, we transformed Bedford Row, a typically quiet street adjacent to the gallery, by projecting Nasr's video onto two large screens mounted on black scaffolding, resembling an expansive “box.” This installation invited viewers to navigate around the structure, experiencing the mesmerizing passage of Afghan civilians as they moved from one screen to the other. The surround sound component of the installation reverberated through the street, creating an immersive auditory experience that could be heard from several blocks away.
After completion of the festival this work was installed in the front lobby of the AGNS for a period of 15 months.