Duration 1:48 Digital Projection Blake Prize Finalist 2011
Inspired by rituals practiced in Indonesia which infuse spirit into objects, this recreation of a traditional Tana Swiwi ceremony took place in Melbourne. The ceremonial room was filmed one side at a time and then the four frames pieced together to create a mirror-like effect. The aim of the re-enactment was both to illustrate the actions used in ritual and to add an element of mystery though the edited composition which has a kaleidoscopic and hypnotic effect. Playing with the duality of objects, modern day helmets worn in the ceremony are decorated in traditional motifs. The video projection appears high up on the ceiling, requiring viewers to look heavenward and refocus their planes of thought. Much of her work raises questions about re-enactment, re-interpretation and the recreation in the way that religious and historical texts are used to build understanding or investigate truths.