121212
"121212"
2017
The School of Visual Arts, NY
patchwork carpet, linoleum tiles, Mylar, folding chairs, white wicker chair, wooden arm chair, table, crystals, 3 monitors, iPad, headphones, mirror, archival prints, aerosol can, hair brushes, silver plate, human hair, acrylic shelf, tube lighting, shower curtains
12ft L x 12ft W x 8ft. H
“121212” is a multidimensional project that manifests in various forms such as video, performance and installation. It explores the idea of repeated quotidian actions that become personal rituals and a sanctuary in modern life. My interest in ritualistic systems stems from the spiritual practices that were at the center of my upbringing and continue to be part of my life today. Through my parents and community, I participated in the handed-down rituals of Lucumi/Candomblé– the Afro-diasporic iteration of Yoruba religion, practiced mostly by people of African descent in the new world– and the Okinawan spiritual customs rooted in nature and ancestral worship.
For this project, I chose to explore these concepts by acting as a witness to the daily rituals of another person: Lynnese Page. The title refers to the initial filming session on October 28th, 2016. From noon to midnight, I followed Lynnese for twelve hours; from her part time job at a coffee shop, to her weekly haircut at a Harlem barber shop, her daily visit with her mother, and finally to the home she shares with her sister for dinner. The residual footage from this day became the video elements of 121212: a collection of 4 short videos that create a moving portrait of a day within Lynnese’s life. It was also the inspiration for a performance of the same name done at Rush Arts Gallery on March 4th, 2017 in conjunction with the exhibition REFRESH. I further investigate this idea through installation, creating an immersive environment that mimics the various spaces explored throughout this project and offering a space to digest the short films.