2000, B+W, Colour and Sound, 7mins 40secs.
Based on the extraordinary case of Mollie Fancher 'The Persistence of Vision' references ideas about the retention of images, sensation, and space and location. The video uses footage shot in New York, Cape Cod, and Ohio. The imagery moves from one space to another, from interior to exterior shots. The sound track is of a thunderstorm. Mollie Fancher lived in Brooklyn, New York. In 1866 at the age of 17 following a fall from a horse and from a streetcar she sustained injuries that kept her bedridden for 50 years. Throughout this time she went into trance and spasms and multiple personalities exhibited themselves. Although Mollie was technically and medically blind her 'vision' persisted and she was able to see clairvoyantly. Thunder claps induced deep trances. This work continues the artist's research into spiritualism, trance, hysteria and psychology.
The Persistence of Vision
Exhibitions and Screenings
2002 'Home and Away: Contemporary Irish Art', Irish Arts Centre, New York.
2002 'Home and Away: Contemporary Irish Art', Haggerty Museum of Art, Marquette University,Milwaukee,Wisconsin.
2000 'The Persistence of Vision', - Solo Show, Limerick City Gallery of Art, Limerick.
2000 'International Studio Program Open Days', P.S.1. Contemporary Art Center, New York, USA.
2000 'Portobello Film and Video Festival', London.
