Breathe: A Meditation on Claustrophobia, Confinement, and Comfort, 2002
While living near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, I found myself often walking past a prison located nearby. The juxtaposition of my freedom of movement with the state of confinement that existed on the other side of the walls struck me in a powerful way, and inspired this piece. This notion gained even more power in the political climate of the U.S. after September 11, 2001. As hundreds of immigrants were rounded up and held in prison, often in solitary confinement, with no formal charges being brought against them and without any acknowledgement by the government of who exactly has been held, the sense of arbitrariness of confinement became even more acute.
Using original screen printed imagery, neon sculpture, and glass, this installation creates a space that is simultaneously comforting and disquieting. Testimonies and stories of some of those held in detention are interspersed with images of the exterior the Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn NY (where INS detainees have been held), in an attempt to give voice to those behind the walls. Across the gallery are two images of cherry trees in blossom, interspersed among lists of headlines from the New York Times – creating a space for contemplation among the overwhelming onslaught of information. On the floor of the gallery are a grid of 12” square glass panes – to be walked on, or avoided – drawing attention to the viewer’s physical presence and participation in the unfolding events. Watching over the scene is a cool blue neon sign that reads simply; breathe.
Installation view at M.Y. Art Prospects,NYC July 2002. Click here to read Erin Donnelly's essay about this project.
