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Seven

2011

High definition video installation

Black & white, silent


7 hour loop

harddisc player, LCD monitor 42 inch/16:9, monitor mount

Brief Description

This single channel installation is a contemporary portait of the seven phases of life for human beings. The view of life divided into seven chapters has been prevalent in the West for many centuries. Perhaps the most well-known referrence is Shakespeare’s famous text: ‘All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being in seven ages. [...]’ The work consists of seven black and white silent film portraits, ranging from a five month old baby girl, a twelve year old boy, a forty year old man through to a seventy-seven year old woman. Ordinary Dutch people filmed in their own home environments. Very recognisable and all too human. Great care has been taken of composition and lighting. During the course of the day the portraits mark the passing of time, each film/each age has its own hour. This piece is accumulative, steadily building up, extending across the span of a whole day. The seven individual films form an intriguing and complex work, inviting return visits and careful attention and reflection.