The Carrot Stick Scenario

Abstract

This work developed out of thinking around ideas of animal and human consciousness, the perceived differences between them, and the forms of communication that exist within and across their different value economies. This audio-video installation was created for an exhibition at Liars of The Earth, an occasional project space hosted in the studio of artist Chad McCail. The work comprises three video streams and surround-sound audio. In one video I use a close-up face shot to deliver a short monologue, proclaiming an absurd definition for the ontological value of both 'stick' and 'carrot'. To one the left hand side of this, another video shows a hand holding a small stick aloft in front of a moorland landscape. To the right hand side the opposite hand holds a slice of carrot in front of a similar landscape. At each conclusion of the looping monologue, a dog leaps suddenly into view and snatches away the stick or the carrot. This is accompanied by alternately encouraging and chastising utterances coming from the four audio monitors space around the exhibition space