PARANOID MIRROR
ZWIERCIADŁO PARANOIDALNE
1995
This work consists of an interactive installation based on the painter
Jan van Eyck. The viewer stands in front of a mirror and as he watches
his reflection, other images appear. This piece is silent. The "pedestal"
attaches to the wall and all equipment is housed within this false wall.
Edition of 5
Collection: Seattle Museum of Art
On the wall will be a one way circular mirror, installed over a pre-cut
hole. As viewers walk into the room they see images on the mirror of another
room in the museum. The closer they walk to the mirror, the stranger it
gets; for instance, they see themselves reflected but behind them they
also see themselves from behind, looking in the mirror as well as a black
woman singing blues; a French woman admonishing them, a bald scientist.
Images are specifically triggered based upon where viewers stand.
A computer, hard drive and videodisk player are set in motion via sensors
under a rug on the floor. Mirrors, duplicity, authenticity, art historical
references to reflection (with particular references to van Eyck and Vermeer)
will be part of the composition of this work.
Customized software designed by Paul Tompkins.