OVERHEAD PROJECT (GALLA PLACIDIA)

HAMISH TOCHER

Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP)

Friday 03 April 2009 to Saturday 23 May 2009
Opening Thursday 02 April 2009 6-8pm
In the on-going series Overhead Project, I create illusory spaces. These works derive from the tradition of decorative ceilings that use perspectival techniques to achieve architectural effects. Entering those spaces, you are surrounded by the combined effects of the real architecture and its illusory embellishments.

The pattern of the perforations in the ceiling at CCP suggest the starred vaults that are a common feature of early Christian chapels like the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The labyrinth pattern used in Overhead Project (Galla Placidia) is from the vaulting of this chapel. The pattern can be repeated infinitely; in theory the lines have no end. In this work, the pattern emerges for a short distance through the ceiling in CCP ís Gallery Four.

Previous works in this series have been figurative and expansive; Overhead Project (Galla Placidia) is more reserved and contemplative. With the dark space and the mirrored surfaces, the work is less like a grand chamber, more like a small camera.

GALLERY FOUR

Hand drawing lines between dots
Overhead Project (Galla Placidia)
© All rights reserved Hamish Tocher 2009 Australia
2009 (video still). single channel digital video