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Flash in the Metropolitan
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? Courtesy of the artists and doggerfisher, EdinburghCommissioned by Spike Island.Supported by the Elephant Trust.

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Flash in the Metropolitan 2006
Commissioned by Spike Island, `Flash in the Metropolitan? was filmed in the depths of darkness in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. In the three and a half minute film Nashashibi and Skaer focus on artefacts from the Near Eastern, African and Oceanic collections. Both artists in their own practices are interested in re-contextualising the viewer?s awareness and recognition and this film continues to engage with this theme. In flashing a blinding light on to a series of historical objects, Nashashibi and Skaer subvert the notion of contemplation that is so closely associated with a museum environment. The viewer is instead granted a fleeting glimpse of a series of artefacts, which, with any detail removed, reduces their status to an icon without a narrative.

Glossary Open

Commission

When an individual or organisation employs an artist to execute a particular project, the process and the resulting work are termed a `commission?.

Icon

A devotional image, usually depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary or a saint, traditionally associated with the Byzantine, Greek and Roman Orthodox Churches. By extension, it is used to denote an important and enduring symbol.

Spike Island

Spike Island is a stimulating and supportive environment for the production and exhibition of contemporary art and design in Bristol.

Commission, Icon, Spike Island

Details

  • Acc. No. GMA 4845
  • Medium Silent 16 mm colour film. Loops every 3 minutes 25 seconds
  • Size
  • Credit Purchased 2007

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