skogerson's Submission

contact nameGretchen Skogerson
artists' namesGretchen Skogerson, Garth Zeglin
artists' locationsSomerville, MA USA
art namePS
art mediamixed media (mirror, electronics)
art dimensions14 1/2" x 22 1/2" x 2"
art date2005
art descriptionPS is a talking mirror installation. The mirror engages potential participants by calling out, "Psst." Upon leaning in close, the mirror whispers a secret. The mirror only reveals a single secret at a time. Once the participant walks away, the mirror returns to soliciting. Why secrets? Secrets are an established mode of communication. They simultaneously provide a release for the author while acting as an offering of sorts to the receiver. A mirror is a codified way of seeing the self which is not the self but the other. A secret is a way of recognizing part of the self at a distance. PS' use of a mirror invites the receiver to consider the part of them tied to the secret. Call 212-696-6638 to add your secret.
art proposalI believe that PS fits into the theme of C7 b/c of the elements of chance and perhaps surprise in the encounter between the visitor and the mirror (both in terms of the kind of interaction and the random choice by the mirror of the secret to tell.) [See below for the description.] The secrets are actual ones that I've culled from a 1-800 number and a NYC number. I'd be interested in gathering more secrets at the show if possible. The secrets are re-read before being loaded onto the MP3 player to protect the identity of the caller....
art placard
art urlwww.publicsecrets.net