Natacha Supavivat

Installation - Screenscape

Using elements of the tangible world, Screenscape aims at transforming the illusion of projection and light into a physical, present, tangible thing.Multiple screens of multiple shapes are placed around the space where viewers can walk and interact with the piece. Projected on the space as a whole is a big white light with black fragment-like shapes mapped to the screens and off the screens to cover and use the whole space.The viewer has the option of both transforming the image through casting their own shadows on the front side of the screens, ground, walls, architecture, etc., or observing the casted shadows on the back side of the screens and other surfaces. Most often, as they may focus on one of the two options, they are actually performing both at once.Adding to the screens and the body, a third element comes into play to complete de piece; the environment. The placement of the piece outside in an urban landscape allows for structural and architectural spaces that relate to human life, body movements and habits. An open space allows for a contribution from natural elements to join into shadows and surfaces and to interact with the body and space. These may be wind, rain, leaves, puddles, snow, etc.The layering of those elements connects together the projection, the body and the environment. It makes the use of light, shadow and perception physical rather than illusionistic or conceptual. As the viewer interacts with the space, they not only see the presence of their own body and the effect it had on the environment, but also the environment itself and the effect it has on them, on their perception. The symbiotic relationship between body and environment is highlighted, exposed black on white.Team: Alina Danilyuk, Ariane Labbe, Natacha Supavivat and Tae Lee.