Alligator Skin Box: memoirs of a young nomad is a video installation that explores dislocation and absurdity - a common experience for migrants immersed in foreign places. Turkish folk traditions juxtaposed with dream-like experiences create a magical reality for the audience to discover.
The installation consists of five short animated videos displayed on monitors inside suitcases mounted on the wall with booklets of my short stories the videos are based on. The five videos (named from the corresponding stories) are Alligator Skin Box Full of Gum, Merry Go Round – Bulgur Balls, Tree Trunk House, Butcher Rules and Lead Lizard. Each video contains various layers including animated still images and video, audio narration of story bits and other sounds inspired by the story elements. The visualized stories all share two characters (a man and the nomadic narrator woman—me), and feature animated paper sculptures. Each story reveals this nomad’s experience by emphasizing a different aspect of being a foreigner (nostalgia, strangeness, bewilderment, disorientation, confusion and absurdity) in each video.
* Alligator Skin Box: memoirs of a young nomad will be exhibited at the Interdisciplinary Arts MFA Thesis Exhibition in May.
Opening reception: Friday, April 29, 5 pm to 7 pm
Arcade Gallery
2nd Floor, 618 S. Michigan Ave.
Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm
Saturday, May 14, 12pm-5pm
Center for Book & Paper Arts Gallery
2nd Floor, 1104 S. Wabash Ave
Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm; Sat, 12pm-5pm
Gallery hours: Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
PERFORMANCES
Stage Two, 2nd Floor, 618 S. Michigan Ave.
Friday, April 29, 7pm
Saturday, April 30, 3 pm and 7 pm
ART AS READING/READING AS ART
Arcade Gallery/ Center for Book & Paper Arts Gallery
2nd Floor, 618 S Michigan Ave.
Friday May 6, 7 pm
MANIFEST ArtWalk & Artists’ Reception
Reception: Friday, May 13, 4–7 pm