September 13, 2014

2013: Fernando Pareja & Leidy Chavez @ The Mission

Above: Fernando Pareja and Leidy Chavez at THE MISSION Chicago for the opening of "Leap into the Void" on November 15, 2013.
Fernando Pareja and Leidy Chavez
"Leap into the Void"
November 15 – December 21, 2013
Organized by curator Gilbert Vicario
THE MISSION Chicago
1431 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL

http://themissionprojects.com/

"Using a combination of pre-cinematic devices, haunting soundtracks, and a restrained minimalist sensibility, the artists create awe-inspiring kinetic vignettes that are drawn from lived experiences, yet connect on an emotional and universal level. Their work draws on Colombian history and its ongoing struggles with left- and right-wing political factions, violence, and the recent uprising by farmers demanding more government support.

The installation is an investigation into how 19th century animation devices - such as the zoetrope and praxinoscope - can effectively be used in a contemporary context as a viable means of communicating a potent message. Pareja and Chavez's interest in these antiquated technologies seem to come at an appropriate moment when the creative potential of digitally-based technologies seems tapped out and saturated."

Quotation above from: http://themissionprojects.com/exhibition/32/leapintothevoid

Above: The beeswax, acrylic, cardboard, and wood base of "Oppressed Oppressors," in full light, absent electronic animating effect.
Above: A detail of "Oppressed Oppressors," electronic animating effect suspended by on-camera flash, November 15, 2013.
Above: Fernando Pareja and Leidy Chavez posing with "Oppressed Oppressors" at THE MISSION Chicago on November 15, 2013.
Above:
Still images (1-4) November 15, 2013;
Copyright Paul E. Germanos.


Above: YouTube video, from praxinoscopio, illustrating animation in the work of Fernando Pareja and Leidy Chavez, as found accompanied by the following text: "Animación en tiempo real, presentada por los artistas Colombianos Fernando Pareja Y Leidy Chavez, en la feria internacional de Arte de Bogotá ArtBo, pabellón Artecámara 2012. Una amplificación de la imagen en Movimiento."


Above: "Oppressed Oppressors" animation as found in a Vine from Tyler Blackwell, produced at THE MISSION Chicago on November 15, 2013.


Above: Fernando Pareja and Leidy Chavez provide a statement about their work, as found offered by  Universes in Universe on Vimeo.