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Triple Voyage in Black and White (Mind, Body, World) was my 2018 installation artwork.




My artwork consists of three CRT TV screens, arranged strategically around the room to guide the viewer on a voyage of reflection and contemplation. Each screen reflects a different aspect of ourselves - the body, the mind, and the world around us. As the viewer walks into the darkened room, static noise and glimpses of colour provide clues as to what may be in the room. Turning the corner, a motion sensor light activates and shines directly at the viewer. At the first TV, they can see a reflection of their figure in black and white, alluding to the distorted way in which we view ourselves and our place in the world. The second TV to the right, shows the silhouette of a figure, hidden behind static black and white lines and multicoloured test patterns. The overlaid effects represent the stresses of daily life, which cloud our decisions and impact our ability to think clearly. Finally, the third TV represents history and the world around us. Through the historical ABC footage, important figures and moments in Australian television can be viewed through the prism of the TV. Our subjective views and modern day perspectives may cause the audience to question the value of what they see on the screen, encouraging them to explore the different perspectives of the past.




Through the recontextualisation of technology, audiences are challenged by the combination of old and new devices. It is common for us to see a reflection of our figure everyday, from a bathroom mirror to a mobile phone selfie, but seeing ourselves through the lens of an old black and white TV is not a regular occurance. Without this renewed purpose, the TVs would still be sitting on a dusty shelf in a classroom, or perhaps be on its way to the landfill. The site specific location of the darkroom also adds to the element of old and disused technology, with many neglected and mostly broken enlargers lined up around the room. Sound is also a vital element of the artwork, with speakers placed in strategic locations and playing white noise to create a feeling of isolation and detachment. The interactive elements of the artwork also allows the audience to activate the space, engaging with the displays and walking around the room in their own paths. For example, viewers may choose to walk as close as possible to the camera, take photos of the TVs at different angles or take out their mobile phone flashlight to examine the way the cables have been connected. Each audience member brings their own understanding and interpretation to the artwork.