What
differentiates a pet from a pest, and vice versa? The habitat, or lack
thereof, proves to be a primary factor in the way our culture views both
humans and animals. But when does a habitat become an imprisonment? In
this immersive installation, the idea of being contained is explored both
literally and metaphorically. Upon entering the gallery, you are contained
in a human-scale hybrid cage filled with elements of bird and small animal
habitats. Simultaneously familiar and surreal, you shuffle through
ankle-deep wood shavings, surrounded by the scent of pine.
You
have become the pet.
Climb
onto the perch to swing and swivel, crawl through the critter tube, feast
on the treats in the food bowl, drink from the water tube, or relax in the
nesting area.
As
humans we attribute our experiences to pets; what happens when the pet
experience is attributed to humans?
A screening of short films will accompany the installation at the gallery’s opening and closing receptions.
