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Persona 2007

About the Work

I Remember by Peter Bielunas is an experimental piece showcasing random memories from the artist´s childhood while he lived in Poland. Interweaving archival footage, text, and a melancholic piano sound track, the piece is touching in its honest telling of the past.

A Floater’s Journey into Self by Janine Delaney is a self-portrait shot on digital video. It tells the story of the life of the artist from birth to present through the use of narration, fantastical childhood stories and imagination. It is meant to be a self-exploration that uncovers the secret desires that existed under the surface of those stories and the journey of the artist to self-acceptance. We share in everything important to her life including family, yoga, art, stories, and martial arts. The piece is a video tapestry that embodies the essence of who she is.

Life as a Model Robot by Daniel Hendlowitch is a video haiku based on lyrics to The Impossibles´ "Priorities Intact." It illustrates how the artist´s failings and experiences have combined to build his life and define who he is. This piece uses the avatar of a Japanese model robot kit being built, accompanied by overlapping audio listing various moments of his life. "Life as a Model Robot" makes an effort to not only justify the pun of its name but also to educate the audience in what it is to feel imperfect while still remaining hopeful.

Dream by Barry Goldman is a silent film in the tradition of the early avant-garde when all "special effects" were created in the camera. The two opposing sides of Barry confront each other while the sleeping Barry watches their battle to the death. This piece explores the opposing realms of subconscious thought and presents the battle of the inner self. It was shot in three passes using an Arriflex 16mm film camera and matte box.

Heritage by Yutaka Ueda. Exploring racial memory and identity, Heritage examines the filmmaker´s own investigation as a Japanese immigrant now living in the U. S. as an "American." The artist employs traditional Noh theater masks to reflect on historical events in Japanese history including the Female, the Kyogen, the Shakki, and the Oni. The Oni is believed to play a role at times of transition. The widespread recognition of the Oni phenomena is often associated with turning points in history.

The Artist in Me by Stephen Leon is an experimental self-portrait that explores the mind of an artist who uses his artistic talent to storyboard the most personal memories from his childhood and family life.

Pranzo Di Domenica (Sunday Dinner) by Louis Libitz. Narrated by the artist’s father, this piece recreates the experience of preparing a homemade meal and gathering to eat as a family on any given Sunday. Illustrating the preparation of an old Italian-American recipe, the artist celebrates the lost art of his family´s culinary tradition.