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Indepth Arts News:
"Dreamscape: Five Animated Sculptures by Gregory Barsamian"
2001-07-06 until 2001-09-09
Hudson River Museum
Yonkers, NY,
USA
Gregory Barsamian uses relatively simple technoloty (strobe
lights and motors) to transform his dreams into arresting
visual landscapes, complex in both their impact and subject
matter. His provocative imagery is derived from a personal
study of his own dreams. Since 1983, Barsamian has kept a
tape recorder next to his bed so that he can immediately
record the content and imagery of his dreams upon waking.
Similar to dreams, Barsamian's work contains strange
juxtapositions and unexplained narratives.
Recognizable objects and faces unexplainably morph into things like teddy bears and
birthday cakes, defying rationality. They are both playful, amusing components and dark,
nightmarish ones.
Barsamian entertains veiweres with his technical wizardry and sense of humor. His
sequentially formed sculptures are mounted on armatures that spin at 20 miles per hour,
resulting in images that transform before the viewers eyes. Barsamian creates a type of
waking dream state-an altered reality that is reinforced by the dark rooms and flickering
strobe lights. The works are hypnotic and cinematic. Barsamian takes viewers on a fantastic
voyage into a mysterious dream world.
Dreamscape is a visual extravaganza with appeal for families, children and adults. The
exhibit includes a brochure, a video interview with the artist, and a hands-on section
devoted to Barsamian's unique working method. Visitors can explore the physics of optics
and illusions through flipbooks and zoetropes. IMAGE:
Gregory Barsamian,
Die Falle (The Trap), detail, 1998,
Fabric, acrylic paint, urethane
foam, steel, motor, strobe light, soundtrack,
104 x 80 diameter,
Coll. the artist
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