Moving forward from my ongoing research into organised leisure and aqueous sites – I developed a new video work that included a focus on capturing the more aesthetic potentials of the human form as it moves through artificial water-based spaces- in this case – swimming pools. This work was seeded during previous residencies undertaken at the Metro Arts Ferryman’s Hut at Teneriffe in 2022 and Incubate at Placemakers in 2023. It was during these experimental experiences that I began working with multiple projectors that could overspill images onto each other as well as spaces that included several walls and architectural interventions.
This research culminated in a 3 channel video installation that was installed at HOTA: Here and Now – Gold Coast Triennial from September 2024 – February 2025. The work was projected within a space that included angled walls 4 meters in height as well as architectural interventions such as pool stairs, entry ladder rails and a pool light. This created a sense that the viewers were deeply immersed underwater within the pool. I embraced the challenge of creating the strange sense of multiple depths of field – and the observation of bodies of different scales within the space. I became really intrigued with the idea of creating that sense that the viewer was wearing swimming googles and so was viewing the passing bodies from simultaneous but multiple perspectives. I was able to capitalise on the interior architecture of the space to maximise some gentle overlap of imagery as well as cast shadows within the work.
In a literal sense the work explores the play of human bodies as they undertake aquarobics and other pool-based exercises.
Conceptually the work embraces the relationships between the known body, water and the extended human body as it uses various gestures and tools to navigate its way through an aquatic volume. The use of the pool noodles as extended limbs reference to the porousness of the human form, and the body as vessel and notions of amphibia.
Upon reading about the history of swimming Karen Eva Carr opens Shifting Currents with the some fascinating insights into the relationship humans have with swimming
Click here to see more about the work at HOTA’s Digital Gallery and see stills of the installation Artefacts of Leisure (2024) as well as read a story in the November / December edition of Art Guide . This work was one of 6 that was commissioned by HOTA for this exhbiotion . Click here to see the documentary video that features all six artists including Jay Jermyn, Lyle Duncan, Rebecca Ross, Norton Fredricks , Larissa Warren and myself.
Kathy Mackey 