“Pearl Drop” is a project consisting of new video works and mixed media collage (using painting and works with paper), that address how attempts, vision, and struggle have been necessary in order to develop new innovations for future thinkers. Artists, businesses, collectors, and engineers have been considered thinkers before their time. Many times the public takes time to accept their visions. This project explores how innovative concepts give impact for the future. Each video has an archival black and white/ sepia tone historical image with video overlay on top. They synthesize together to show a merging of the past and a new symbolic installation. In my project, I have created a video employing an archival image (granted by the Frick Museum) of a historical fountain photograph in the Garden room that is a haven of plants and contemplation in the center of the museum. It was previously where they kept the horses and buggies, the garage. In the video, “Pearl Drop” pearls in the form of a tear drop come out of the fountain as if they were water cascading out, however in this cause overflow into the room. This shows a constant flow of ideas that Frick had from turning his collection into a museum, and the design of nature with art, and the significance of the pearls. The pearl is a glistening soft tissue from a living shelled mollusk. The pearl has become a metaphor for the something rare and valuable. The iridescent pearls take over the space and fill up the room like a champagne fountain without a base. Showing overwhelming nature, treasure, and abundance of these glowing forms. “Pearl Drop” was inspired by Johanns Vermeer’s, “Mistress and the Maid”,painting, which is in the collection of the Frick Museum. In this painting, the Mistress is sharing a love letter with her maid, and although they seem to be equals the mistress has lavish clothes and is wearing a pearl earring. From the body language you can see something is being discovered in their discussion. The maid looks pleased that they have concluded something and is returning the letter to her mistress. Vermeer was not always well known, but stood out with his bold representation of colors and light. You the viewer witness a scene, where the subjects are not addressing you are there, as their backs are turned towards us. There is a voyeur approach, which gives us the power of seeing something we aren’t supposed to see. This transaction makes us aware of a secret. The innovation of making the viewer have their own experience, when not even welcomed creates a strong impact and innovation by Vermeer. Vermeer uses light, color, and theatricality in an innovative way. I believe Mr. Frick was attracted to Vermeer because he also believed in innovation, coming from being a businessman to a collector and then turning his collection into a museum (one of the most treasured in NYC) . He worked to create an experience for the public as he collected privately. “Flowers Become You” is a video of a historical black and white photograph from the archive of Louis Vuitton. It is an early show room where they organize the design and merchandize. There are chairs placed around inviting you to come, relax, and experience the French design. In my video, a garden grows (on top of the image), slowly growing to fill the room, taking over as an overgrown space of innovation, concept, and lush. (Similar to Pearl Drop). “The Magic Egg”, early Nicola Tesla designed and took almost household tricks, such as twirling plates, into a magnetic field egg. Using this image, the video brings to life the movement and force of the egg and the magical powers of its genius and capabilities. Laser Focused, Patricia E. Bath, scientist and inventor of laserphaco for cataract surgery.
Note: Louis Vuitton Dressing Room