day 2: “Narcisos”
This film is visual proof that patience is a virtue.
Being a medium of presentation and a work of art in itself, this video is a piece amongst a series entitled “Narcisos” (or “Narcissist”) created by Colombian artist Oscar Munoz. Owing to being born in the early fifties, Munoz has been affected by some of the atrocities that his country has been through. This can be observed through the themes treated within the body of his work. Indeed, violence and death seem to be predominant subjects. Although, he also depicts popular philosophical questions, such as how one is seen through others eyes, and how ones perception of self is altered by the perception of others. This is represented in works that imply seeing through filters, fragmentation, and decomposition.
“Línea del destino (Line of destiny)” by Oscar Munoz, single screen projection, 2006
This self-portrait (the video) was achieved in a way that you might not have expected. It started off as a photographic image on a silkscreen. The screen was placed a smidge over the surface of water, after which coal dust was sprinkled over it, permitting some of the dust to go through where the sieve was clear. Once the screen removed, the coal dust left a delicate drawing on the surface of the water. The dissolution, distortion, deterioration and disappearance (no alliteration intended!) of the drawing flirts with the concept of ephemeral processes, in which the importance of the work lies not necessarily in the image itself, but rather in the symbolic of its disappearance, and within implication and impact of time within a peice of art.
“Biographias (Biographies) ” by Oscar Munoz, 9 chromogenic prints, 19’’ 3/4 x 19’’ 3/4 each, 2002
Many within the art world have suggested that the ephemeral nature of this self-portrait represents the idea that “all is vanity”. Although, as art can be, and in most cases is personal, subjectivity leads me to draw my own conclusions. First, I wish to point out that, unlike dance for instance, this process is the type of ephemeral art that is in part influenced by chance, giving a piece the opportunity to develop in a way that one cannot control. Indeed, what some could see as the possibility of a mistake waiting to happen, can sometimes result in happy fate or fortune. Mr. Munoz has understood this, being courageous enough to let chance work its magic, making tiny miracles, and using all of it to his advantage. Moreover, symbolically, through this process, and type of image, time is essential in demonstrating the disappearance, and changes in ones self within a small lapse of time, a foreshadowing of the entirety of ones life process. Essentially reminding us that we are all in a continual state of change, and bound to wind up down the drain, and above all, leaving a lasting impression along the way.
N.B. Oscar Munoz will be holding an ICI conference at UQAM in Montreal city on October 22nd at 12:30pm (room RM-130)
