G[u]ilt

description

As one enters the gallery space illuminated by a single hooded bulb hanging low to the floor, the viewer experiences an ambiance similar to that of an interrogation room—a harsh bulb shining with intimidating intent upon a subject. A rusted steel plate, twelve inches square, sits on the concrete floor ostensibly bolted down with four rusted screws. A maple leaf shape has been cut into the steel—its space filled with motor oil.

The steel plate with its four screws suggests that it is a cover for a cistern embedded below the floor—a tank filled with oil. This notion is further implied by the sounds of a liquid dripping into a cavernous space. Bare human ‘oily’ footprints emerge from the steel plate and fade as they approach the far gallery wall. The footprints created by bare human feet suggest a more intimate relationship to the subject—they implicate the viewer. Are we all to blame? What are the issues at hand? What exactly are we to blame for? The installation is meant to provoke many questions.

Perhaps it truly is a matter of G[u]ilt.