Dislocating the Gaze, 2015
Wood, live-feed camera, projection, mirror
20 x 24 x 75”

Adding an ambient sound to a space then subsequently removing it shifts our perception of the original space temporarily. An abrupt sense of stillness takes over the whole space, and instigates in us a brief moment of alertness. Simultaneously, the relative silence temporarily fills our ears as they attempt to adapt to the new volume. This transformation is so startling that it often feels as if we’ve suddenly uncovered a new space.

In public spaces where large concentrations of people are present, the ambient sounds consist of an overwhelming combination of conversations. These are verbal interactions that mainly occur between familiar people, whereas interactions among unfamiliars remain largely visual. Superficial cues from people’s bodies are regularly used in judging their individual characters and personalities; this action treats others as objects to be categorized rather than humans to be understood.

Dislocating the Gaze presents a scenario where individuals present themselves by creating moments of stillness. These moments silence the ambient conversations, and leave only a small portion of the participants’ body for others to observe. A different space is thus revealed though the removal of sound, where an altered form of interpersonal interaction takes place.