Deep and shallow

BACKGROUND Deep and Shallow contributes to the broad field of video art and the narrow field of video works that use humour to explore gestural signification. The peer community includes Paul McCarthy (US), John Bock (Germany) and Brown Council (AUS). Key characteristics of this scholarly debate include absurd staging, costuming and physical humour. Recent exhibitions that have influenced this debate include 'Slapstick!' at Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg, Germany (2014). Deep & Shallow seeks to extend this field through being creatively aligned with human 'brain activity' in this curated exhibition by Cristina Read. Read has paired the work with a range of video works that explore thought processes, communication and exchange. These video works were presented within a constructed set emblematic of the human brain and designed by artist Paul Cullen (NZ). Viewed within this critical framework, Deep & Shallow explores brain activity in relation to social dynamics and subjective drive. CONTRIBUTION This Creative work addresses the following research question: How can slapstick physicality and absurd staging symbolically represent the inner workings of the human brain? This was achieved through a symbolic enactment of social dynamics and subjective drive. A group of performers enacted various movements and gestures wearing costumes that obscure identity and homogenise them as a kind of 'thinking' organism. Social and psychological aspects of 'brain activity' were explored through this methodology. I am the sole author of this creative work. SIGNIFICANCE Deep & Shallow was exhibited as part of 'The Brain' held at Te Uru Gallery Waitakere, Auckland. CIRCUIT Artist Film and Video Aotearoa NZ commissioned the exhibition. The exhibition included several high profile artists including Daniel von Sturmer, Ronnie van Hout and Rebecca Anne Hobbs. A printed catalogue was produced for the exhibition. Te Uru Gallery is funded by the Auckland Council.