2006
Electronics and Miniature incandescent light bulbs.
Dimensions variable.
The deer and I stay. is comprised of three miniature incandescent bulbs. The electronically
driven on-off of the lights, embedded in a crack and hole in the gallery floor, act as a pulse for
the space itself. The lights advance and retreat at a scarily slow pace, causing nervous
speculation as to when they will fade. Of course, the lights do not stop; they continue
indefinitely, the electricity giving them life.
The title of this work is as important as its installation. The deer and I stay. references Aloha, an
indie prog-rock band represented by Polyvinyl Records. Aloha writes, “The deer and I will stay/
to witness the beauty/ suspended in still life/ no matter how scary.” By borrowing these
provocative and lovely lyrics, the artist asks us to ponder our relationships with lovers, friends,
and even subcultural acquaintances. The audience, like the incandescent lights, are left
suspended in still life, waiting to change, powered by a greater force (electricity, friendship,
etc.). The work gives viewers hope that things we all face-- coming and going, the systemic flow
of life, changes in emotional and physical landscape—are surmountable hardships.
Link to video documentation here.