Act Natural

A self-portrait in six screens. Six-channel video installation, color, sound. Edition 1 of 1 + 1 AP.

Act Natural is a self-portrait about being watched, and about what we do the moment we think someone is looking. Six screens set deep in mirrored, platinum-coated ceramic tubes on wood, each showing Jim alone in his apartment. When someone walks in, he changes what he is doing, and the screen turns to the questions he asks himself, in white type. Each screen holds one inner state and the conversation that goes with it: the questions he asks, and the ones he can't answer.

Left to right:

The laugh. Out of joy or nerves or fear, it becomes a stare. Why do I laugh when I'm scared? Who am I keeping a straight face for?

The window. He leaves the view and vacuums, cleaning so he doesn't have to look out. Why can't I sit down? When did I last stand and look at it?

The painting. The painting he loves comes down, the way art comes off the wall before family visits: editing his own work to keep other people comfortable. Why do I take my own work down? Who am I decorating for?

The dance. The fast dance, danced like no one is watching, is the flow we all want. It slows to the one he cannot do. What does carefree actually feel like? How do I stop caring who is watching?

The dishes. His resting hand starts washing dishes, keeping it all tidy instead of letting it go. What am I holding together? Who would tell me?

The run. The walk becomes a run, for the mind and the body, and a race against people he doesn't know. Why do I start running when I see someone running? Did I decide to or did it happen?

Sold with a signed certificate of authenticity, the master video and sound files on an archival drive, and installation instructions. Screens and electronics may be replaced with the artist's approval. Copyright remains with the artist. White-glove delivery only.