In the Dark
The space is completely dark. One hears footsteps, whispers and breathing, and slowly makes out three people investigating the wall with a flashlight. But what are they looking for? Have they lost something? Are they hoping to find a treasure, discover the traces of a murderer or an extraterrestrial being? A scene from a horror, thriller, adventure or science fiction film?
This was shot at exactly that part of the wall where these sequences were projected during the exhibition. This means that real space and projected space overlap and collapse. The video projector becomes something of a flashlight that illuminates the wall and makes the mysterious scene visible. The viewer who steps into the projector's beam of light throws his shadow on this very wall, becoming part of the projection. The exhibition's visitors can also find their way in the dark with real flashlights. But if they shine the light on the virtual people, the projection will be destroyed and what was supposed to be visible becomes invisible. The mysterious figures vanish into mid-air and only the real space is recognizable.
Produced at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne
This video projection was on view in the hollow inner space of the Deutz Bridge in Cologne from 7 - 19 November 1997.
Actors: Klaus Gasteier, Cornelia Gerecke, Jürgen Jansen