Coalesce New Year Portals, Mojave Desert
Title: “Channel Coalesce”, 2018-2019
In the vast expanse of the arid landscape, where the relentless sun beats down on the barren earth, emerges an unexpected anomaly—a mesmerizing oasis of artificial technology amidst the desolation. "Desert Mirage" is an immersive installation that challenges our perception of reality, inviting viewers to confront their own presence in the isolation of the desert.
At the center of this surreal tableau stands a vibrant and out-of-place television, a beacon of color against the monochromatic backdrop of the desert. The television, tuned to an ethereal station, serves as a canvas for a constantly evolving painting—one that captures the essence of the individual standing before it. As you gaze upon the screen, you are confronted with a unique reflection of yourself, watching the TV in the very desert where the installation resides.
The juxtaposition of the colorful, dynamic screen against the vast and desolate surroundings creates a disorienting yet captivating experience. The television, a symbol of modernity and connectivity, stands as an oasis of human creation in the midst of the untamed wilderness. It challenges the observer to question the boundaries between nature and technology, reality and illusion.
"Desert Mirage" seeks to explore the interplay between the artificial and the natural, the tangible and the illusory. The viewer becomes an integral part of the installation, not merely a passive observer but an active participant in the unfolding narrative. The painted representation on the screen becomes a reflection of the individual's connection to both the immediate environment and the broader digital realm.
"Desert Mirage" challenges us to acknowledge our own presence in the vastness of the world, prompting us to reflect on the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the environment. In this paradoxical oasis of color within the emptiness of the desert, the installation invites viewers to question their place in the ever-evolving intersection of the natural and the artificial.
The scheduled event for the year after this installation took place was postponed due to the COVID quarantine measures. Undeterred, the event transitioned to a virtual format, leveraging the original installation concept. The sculpture's thematic essence served as a promotional opportunities for the online event, encapsulating the experience within the confines of a digital television framework. Witnessing this innovative adaptation of my installation into the digital realm was a remarkable experience, as the installation not only facilitated the continuity of the event but also served as a catalyst for the generation of novel ideas to be explored years afterwards. This TV remains to be apart of the yearly festival “Coalesce New Years” that takes place in the Mojave Desert.
