The Chin Monologues
Proposal:
The Chin Monologues is an interactive installation using the
MAX MSP program. This installation is a proposal for a gallery exhibition. This
participatory work invites the audience to experience laughter as a mood lifter
and a chance to play with the experience of trying on an altered identity that
makes others laugh. There will be a short statements printed out for viewers to
read about the science supporting laughter and smiling as a way to alter mood,
lower blood pressure and create relaxation in the body.
The gallery would be filled with living room furniture and a
large 55 inch TV screen as the focal point of the room. As viewers enter the
installation they will see a looped video of a “chin person” performance or
they will experience a real time video that is being created in a bed like box (the
filming station) that is behind the furniture. Participants are invited to lie
in the box with props that are provided at the prop station and create a
performance using their chins a character.
Here are examples of
a Chin Performance:
French Chin Man
Chin Monkey
Sketch of Space: See
sketch below
Directive signage:
Instructions of how to set up your body will be placed on
the filming station, on the wall and at the prop station.
Equipment:
Two Speakers, 55”monitor, video camera, controls to activate
filming.
Computer Program:
Using MAX MSP this installation will create a loop of
previous videos of chin monologues. When a participant gets into the filming
box, the program will be switched to real time filming once the participant
pushes the start button. This button will be placed on a mirror inside the box.
Once the participant gets out of the box their video will be added to the top
of the sequence of video loops on the large screen. The program will also
rotate the image so it will be seen upside down by the viewers, creating the
illusion that the chin is the top of the performers head.
Sound:
Recording will be done along with filming. Speakers will be
placed on either side of large screen for the viewers in the living room
setting.
Filming Station:
This is where the participants can film their own chin
persona. It will be labeled with signage that indicates how the person is to
lie down, fitting there head in the plastic filming cradle. Once they are lying
down they will see a mirror that has an outline that they need to line their
chin up with. The video camera will be placed behind the mirror. Filming will
take place through a small hole in the mirror that will have a sliding door.
Participants will need to press the start button to open the door and begin
filming.
Prop Station:
Includes a mirror and disposable google eyes to be attached
to the chin. For the brave: a pen will be available for drawing eyes on the
chin. Handmade props made by the artist will be available, these include small
clamp on wigs that fit over the chin, clamp on ears that fit over chin, and
various outfits that will mask the nose and mouth area. Participants can get as
creative as they desire with dressing their chin performer or just use nothing more
than their chin.
Furniture:
Cozy thrift store couches, chairs, coffee tables and a rugs
will be used as a welcoming place to view the performances and relax. The space
will emulate an average middle class living room from the 1980’s.
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