“A light and sound installation” describes The Solar Pessimist. John Lawrence, awardee of the Kim Fielding Award 2016 and the creator, worked with actor Peter Hugo Daly and musician Tim Eve to create the site specific event that took place in the evening of Sat 4 March at Spit and Sawdust indoor skate park, studios and artspace (just off Newport road, Cardiff).
To describe The Solar Pessimist as encapsulating would be an understatement. The use of space drew out the celebratory climax of art in which the entirety of the large turnout was clearly immersed. One might even be inclined to think this was an excuse to socialise. To an extent it was; the evening remained true to its intentions of honouring the passing of the late Kim Fielding.
The event took place over three areas: an outdoor seated section with a fitted fire pit and fascinating conversation; the bar/lounge area subject to smiles and all round good times; and the Main Stage, the skate park itself, hosting the artwork itself. The warehouse building, walls and ceilings were clad with corrugated iron and the floor, a smooth concrete. The distinction between the pre-existing skate park and the installation was ambiguous at times. The room for the most part was dimly lit. Rather, it had bursts of moving momentary light patterns from a central ceiling-hung ring. These coordinated with the intimidating throbbing, mumbles, and groans of the Sun. It was regarding our menial, linear and on-track lives.
“So I, the Sun, am a conscious being, blaring away. A local broadcaster beyond your abilities and behaving outside your best interests. But spare me the hope that seems to follow all that spiritual stuff around…such a morbid trance…a puncture in my eye is all it would be… blunted minds all blurry like the hit off a legal high…and its not my fault you are immobile by the way, let’s get that straight… gravity sucking at your bones… believe me when I say I am sorry you are…trapped, in your way…under a rock together….…none of you with even a tooth decent enough to bite yourselves free.”
The installation merged well with the whole space, making use of the fixtures. There was a circular track that held a camera wielding cart, sweeping the room for footage. This created a tension in the natural movement within the all-encompassing environment. When entering the space, you may have felt intimidated. Naturally you may cling to the edges at first – the central point is so exposed, and at times brightly lit. Though once you stepped into it, or even lay down inside, the centre point gave way to an entirely different experience altogether: solitary and private, blinded by the light, the work was made for you and you alone. All elements amounted to an out of body experience: an astral projection, reflecting one’s own human experience. An evening none would soon forget.
words JASON COOK +HELEDD EVANS