dirty hands?
Multimedia Show
Museum of New Art
Detroit, Michigan US 01/2003
My idea for this show came about after reading the chapter on, Columbus, the Indians, and Human Progress, from Howard Zinn's book, A People’s History of the United States: [paraphrased]: "When we read the history books given to children in the United States, it all starts with heroic adventure – there is no bloodshed – and Columbus Day is a celebration. ...past the elementary and high schools, there are only occasional hints of something else." My show was also influenced by John Berger's, Ways of Seeing.
The themes in the show focused on childhood and exposure to educational films in school, western intrusion on Indigenous cultures, and the beauty of dance. Various films and documentary excerpts were used and remixed, along with various educational 16mm films from the 70's and 80's.
Like in my past Detroit shows, I continued to use new and old technology together, video and 16mm film, and included live performers. However, this time I wanted the performers and visuals to interact with each other and that was a bit more complicated than I had imagined. So, I had to modify some of my ideas and make them more simple. Furthermore, dedicated software was less abundant (or too expensive) and computers were less stable back in 2002.
Regarding show night at MoNa: Due to where the video projector was placed, the images did not line up as nicely on the performer's white costumes as planned. Also, because the performers were on the same level as the audience, a full view of the performers and the images were not as visible to people further back in the audience.
Note: There were also 4 monitors around the performance space that showed related content and in the museum's reception area there were drinks, snacks, games related to the show and a couple of children's books, Columbus Day by Vicki Liestman and Columbus Day by Paul Showers. I was a bit of a one-women extravagance when it came to my Detroit shows ;-)
*** In the video below you will find a couple short dance excerpts from the show; full show will be uploaded in the near future ***
Conception, direction, production, shooting, editing & effects, graphism, technical, promotion... : Julie Meitz
Performers: Amy Arena, Jeremy Kallio, Andre Brown, & Rico Africa.
Musicians: Nick Sternberg & Nick Schillace.
Fashion Designer (Amy’s outfit): Bohuslava Bacik.
Some music used from: Chuck Horn’s Friday night Electronica program on WDET FM Detroit
Technical Assistance: Very special thanks to Philippe Beillas & Richard Reeves.
Show footage used in video below: Some from my camcorders & other from Rebecca Dosch.
Tools & Equipment: Software Adobe Premiere & Photoshop, 3 PCs, 1 video projector, 1 16mm film projector, 1 sound unit, switchers, etc.