NATHANIEL MELLORS – GIANTBUM
May 3rd, 2009A potent mixture of media from Nathaniel Mellors is on display at Lombard-Freid Projects in NYC. The installation “Giantbum” was produced for the 2009 Tate Britain Triennial and incorporates performance,video, sculpture and prints.
The story of “Giantbum” follows an absurdist script that chronicles the adventures of medieval explorers that have been ingested by a giant. Themes of language, religion, cannibalism and coprophagia are all fair game in this world. The content draws on tales from the past coupled with a contemporary sense of humor.
Two versions of the performance are projected in the gallery. The “theater” version parallels the “rehearsal” video drawing attention to alterations that occur throughout the creative process.
The highlight of the installation might be the three animatronic heads cast in the likeness of the lead character. They intone excerpts from the script and chant encouraging phrases that interact with the projected performances. You can see a short video of the trio in action right here.
Nathaniel Mellors
Giantbum
17 April – 16 May 2009
Lombard-Freid Projects
NYC
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:43 am
i will never forget the image of the penitent holding the cross of safety matches, ever ever ever.
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:53 am
…or the phosphorus incense.