Obsidian Mirror

A Video Installation by Garrard Martin and Robin Blackledge

The genesis of this project lies in discussions between the collaborating artists concerning the issue of how a population obsessed by technology leads to a society in a state of manic flux.

Within this work the media interface of the TV and computer screen are represented by a dark void which constrains two figures affected by unknown outside forces. The gravitational shifts that the figures contend with seem random in much the same way as chance events shape our everyday existence.

The choreography is defined by uncertainty, each shift a precipice. in much the same way as when we are walking. we are falling (Laurie Anderson), each step preventing our fall.

The 'Obsidian Mirror' is a piece of highly polished black volcanic glass to be found in the British Museum. It was owned by John Dee, scientist, mathematician and alchemist to Queen Elizabeth 1st and is believed to have originated in Mexico. He called it his Scrying Stone and by peering into the dark void he somehow interpreted events surrounding him in much the same way as a clairvoyant uses a crystal ball as a catalyst for prophecy. He also employed it as an instrument for the diagnosis of illness.

Thanks to Kira (Performance) Saints and Demons Utd. (Video Post Production) Mark Easter and Daniela Braun (contributions to Soundtrack) and Kirsty Little (contributions to initial stages of performance)