Ballet Pathetique

Mixed-media installation. 2019.
~3.5m x 3.5m x 1m. 12 oscillating fans, elastic ribbon, door stoppers, CRT television, soundtrack of selected arias from J.S. Bach's "The Passion of St. Matthews".

A circle of oscillating fans resting on their backs forms around a large CRT television. As if holding hands, the fans sway side to side, simultaneously exerting pressure on one another while supporting each other from falling; a collective pathetic writhing, desperate to lift off the ground.

A recording of a single fan plays on the CRT television, accompanied by a selection of arias for soloist and ensemble from J.S. Bach's "The Passion of St. Matthews". With its musical accompaniment, the assemblage is transformed to stylized dance. A soloist and ensemble; a techno-primeval gathering around a television, the contemporary fireplace; a final blurring between the virtual and the real.

As the dance goes on, sculptural form is extended beyond the objects and their kineticism, and begins to include the column of cool air formed within the gallery space.

photos by Annie France Noel.