Hermafrodek Op. 1 No. 2 (2022) is a large-scale immersive Afrolandscape that reimagines the boundaries of identity and transformation. The installation features 513 mobile sculptures, each suspended from strands of reclaimed Afro hair, forming a complex web of interconnected forms. These sculptures, with their fluid, gender-ambiguous shapes, symbolize the inherent fluidity of identity—challenging traditional notions of gender, race, and selfhood. The use of Afro hair as a medium adds layers of cultural significance, connecting the work to themes of heritage, resilience, and the politics of hair in the African diaspora.
The installation is further enhanced by advanced motion capture technology and a Max/MSP sound and visual system, which together create a dynamically evolving soundscape that shifts in response to the movement within the space. This technological integration transforms the installation into a living, breathing entity, where the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds blur. The surreal, immersive experience invites viewers to lose themselves in a world where identity is not fixed but constantly in flux, echoing the complexities of the human condition.
Incorporating three-channel film projections, intricate wall installations, and live improvised Vodou performances, Hermafrodek Op. 1 No. 2 merges traditional elements with cutting-edge technology, creating a powerful dialogue between the past and the present. The Vodou performances, rooted in ancient spiritual practices, bring a sense of ritual and ceremony to the space, grounding the viewer in a timeless narrative of transformation and rebirth. This installation, chosen for its innovative exploration of identity, invites you to engage your senses fully and discover the untapped energies within yourself and the materials around you. It is an invitation to explore the mutable nature of identity, to question the boundaries imposed by society, and to embrace the endless possibilities of self-expression.
Materials: wood, clay, copper, oil, celluloid film, reclaimed human afro hair, human bodily fluids, LED monitors, ash, Motion Capture technology, Max/MSP, an interactive Ambisonic experimental sound and multimedia format, and LED lights.
