Untitled (Sound of Silence)
20183-CHANNEL VIDEO INSTALLATION
CHANNEL 1: 4K VIDEO, 8:59 MIN, COLOR, LOOP
CHANNEL 2: 4K VIDEO, 8:07 MIN, COLOR, LOOP
CHANNEL 3: 4K VIDEO, 5:23 MIN, COLOR, LOOP
AUDIO: 12:00 MIN, STEREO, LOOP
In references to Marc Augés „non-places“ Gabriele Spalluto captures different urban environments in static pictures shot by night which are presented on three screens. They are highlighted by a soundscape made of white noise that functions as sound in the background that increases up to a point where it stops abruptly. When we think of urban spaces we have images of bright daylight in our minds; that’s the time when these places are crowded with people that are taking profit of the amenities these cities have to offer. These bustling visitors are the protagonists of interactions - their aim is almost only consumption.
The work of the Swiss-Italian artist who is now based in Zurich offers a different view onto the city that turns into an empty scenery by nighttime and therefore let us discover details that otherwise would stay hidden. These revealed details point towards the typical trading relations of non-places: customers, salesmen, ATMs, shops, train platforms.
Because of the fact that these places are not very supportive in creating an identity they are basically not the ideal stage for a rivalry of cultures that need defending. However, they open up the possibility for us - especially when they’re deserted - to imagine them as places of integration. The noise in the background reminds us that there’s a world in motion behind the motionless images; the increase in inten- sity seems to be insinuating something to come. It is as if it was in a theater that is leading up to the moment when the curtain draws: all is possible but no one knows yet.
Tessa Prati (Curator of the exhibition “Nichts als Integration”)