Anastasia Coles

Light Me Up

Light Me Up is a video work that is projected onto sheer white curtains with an organic, silver design. The relaxed movement of the curtains reflects the fluidity and relaxed nature of the practice of witchcraft and is a metaphor for “looking behind the curtain” while the silver design reflects the light, adding some glimmer and feeling of magic to the projection. The video itself is contained within a spell format, beginning with the lighting of a candle against a dark backdrop. The footage contains spells, all in close up, playing with footage sped up and slowed down to maximize engagement with the action. The soundtrack is composed almost entirely of the sounds of these actions, like the crackle of fire, movement of cloth, etc. Over this soundtrack plays a voiceover. Addressing the viewer allows reflection on whether they had preconceived notions of witchcraft and practitioners prior to viewing the work and whether that may change now. The video itself is a minute and a half long and plays on a loop.The final effect allows the viewer to step into the world of witchcraft if only for a moment and understand the practitioner.