Bridge Over Troubled Water, a new exhibition, is opening this week at the Chapel Gallery in North Battleford, with the reception occurring Thursday, May 19 from 5Â to 8 p.m. There will be an artists' talk at 6:30 p.m.
Featured are Ruby Arnold and Yoko Takashima from Victoria, B.C., who are interdisciplinary artists and who collaborated on this interactive film and sound installation.
This is a new form of video installation, where no identical image is seen and where unexpected narrative is constructed by having the video and the sound constantly being self-generated.
"It is significant for us to explore the shifting role of artists in the digital era," say Arnold and Takishima.
"In a time where our experiences are saturated with images and information, our role is now focused on selecting and preparing guidelines then witnessing how technology can create and manipulate image, sound and data. Technology used this way can produce effects beyond the artist's authorship and pre-meditated aesthetic. We are strongly interested in exploring this effect within this work."
The artists have captured 37 amateur singers singing Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water as part of the exhibition.
"The lyrics of Bridge Over Troubled Water convey the message of friendship and support, which are fundamental, ageless human needs. In exploring new technology with this work, we intend to celebrate the uplifting spirit in humanity and the new ways of delivering it."
Bridge Over Troubled Water was first exhibited at the University of Victoria’s Legacy Gallery in Victoria, B.C. in the spring of 2015.
Arnold describes herself as an artist and a techie. Much of what she does involves more technical computer work, but she also paints, draws and sews. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree, combined major in Visual Arts and Computer Science from the University of Victoria.
Born and raised in Japan, Takashima is a professor at the University of Victoria and has exhibited her works since 1995.
