Returning to a deserted college campus which was once filled with people, going through the pandemic, made us question our significance and belongingness in this space. We explored the place in a way perhaps we never did before, paying attention to the objects, organisms and spaces that we co-exist with. Bringing together the ideas of post-humanism and new materialism, we imagined an experience which touches the absurd.
The experience was conceptualized by working with a single material. we chose pillow both as a material and object to explore the search for meaning as described by Ionesco. The object was looked at beyond a human centric point of view, into manufacture, use, abuse, wastage etc. The narrative evolved from small stories that we related to about how pillows co-exist with our daily routines, joys, fights, sadness and so on. From the point of view of a pillow, we developed an experience that not only describes the people around it but performs to express itself. The material was then extensively used to create an immersive environment with a surreal landscape that is set inside a large pillow like tensile fabric enclosure
We chose to represent the narrative dividing the space in three parts.
We start by seeing a performer filling cotton into pillowcases. Introducing the audience to the landscape, the performer does not talk but carries out his work with conviction. He slowly assembles each pillow onto a structure as though he finds purpose in behaving so.
The audience sees that the landscape is filled with pillows. We used the pillows in large quantity inviting people to interact by lying down on them, hugging them or having pillow fights. At this juncture, the pillows become overwhelming and what was a source of comfort and warmth turns to violence.
Soundscape: door knocks, interior noises, distant traffic, birds chirping, people fighting, dog barking etc.
In the second part of the space, looking up at the at the large depression, the audience is introduced to the possibility of imagining themselves inside a large pillow. The impression resembles a large human face pressing into the pillow as though it is about to cry. The pillow by now may be understood to be a performer rather than a mere prop, and we start to question what is real.
Soundscape: muffled voices, gentle mourning.
The third space gradually cuts into the landscape with torn and burnt pillows with abstract painterly expressions. The soft cotton and fabric now changes into a dry landscape that reveals the contents beneath. A stretch of entangled black runner strips. We oriented the mood towards conflict, revelation but the materials in a state of confusion. the experience is completely different from earlier, contradicting what we know or thought, questioning our understanding.
Soundscape: Fire crackling, harsh noises.
Process
Group reading of the play 'Chairs'
Concept Board
The experience was conceptualized in over one week with concept boards, sketches, small prototypes etc.
Production
The making process was carried out for 3 and half days which included molding and hardening fabric, raising tensile structure using nylon thread and assembled hooks, filling pillows with synthetic cotton, treating pillows with enamel paint, plaster, acrylic spray paint etc.
full experience video
Artists: Fathima Zerin, Asif Moideen, Ananthu Suresh, Smruthi Swaminathan
We would like to acknowledge:
Course Faculty – Henny Dorr and Vivek Sheth
Teaching Associate – Aayushi Aggarwal
Department of Exhibition Design – Jonak Das, Tanishka Kachru, Deepak Bhai
Course Faculty – Henny Dorr and Vivek Sheth
Teaching Associate – Aayushi Aggarwal
Department of Exhibition Design – Jonak Das, Tanishka Kachru, Deepak Bhai
Department of Foundation - Gayathri Menon
Department of Textile Design
Electrical Department staff
Special Thanks to Kapil Bhai and team
Special Thanks to Kapil Bhai and team
Our friends Manjusha, Ashwin
for their help , guidance and support throughout the process and course.
