Susan MacWilliam
Headbox
Headbox
The remarkable ability to read with her fingertips, made the young Rosa Kuleshova the subject of intense observation in Russia in the 1960s. Headbox considers the contraptions and devices employed by scientists to prevent Rosa from using her eyes during experimental testing.
2004
Installation of Objects and 3 Videos
Rosa and Collar Model, 14mins
Hands Through Screen Model, 12mins 55secs
Woman Behind Screen Model, 13mins
Headbox, 2004, video still
Headbox is an installation of objects and video works. The focus of Headbox is Rosa Kuleshova, a young woman whose remarkable ability to read with her fingertips made her the subject of intense scientific observation in Russia in the 1960’s. During the testing of her phenomena, blacked out goggles covered her eyes, large paper collars were placed around her neck, and screens with holes for her hands to pass through were used to ensure that it was Rosa's fingers that were doing the 'seeing'. Headbox explores the contraptions and devices employed by the scientists to prevent Rosa from using her eyes during experimental testing.
In the sculptural installation TV cubes with 3 videos, the scientific research is reinterpreted though a series of videos; Rosa and Collar Model, Hands Through Screen Model, and Woman Behind Screen Model. These are presented within three plywood cubes set into a curved plywood platform. Additional plywood cubes provide seating for the viewer.
The reconstructed table and screen featured in the sequence of videos is presented in Experimental Table and Chairs on Viewing Platform, which invites the gallery audience to climb a set of steps to view the experimental testing apparatus. Wall mounted Headboxes containing stereoscopic images and speakers require the viewer to insert their head to view paper maquettes and hear audio. The stereoscopic images and audio are generated from the artist's studio, from the fabrication of the sculpted elements within Headbox. Wall handles and steps assist the viewer in placing their head within the Headboxes. Assuming positions similar to that of Rosa Kuleshova while under experimental testing conditions, the viewer temporarily becomes part of the work, they themselves now subject of observation.
SHE "SEES" WITH HER FINGERS, FATE, July 1963, Rosa Kuleshova article
Headbox, 2004, TV cubes with 3 videos , wall mounted Headbox, Temple Bar Gallery, Dublin 2004
Headbox, 2004, video still
Headbox, 2004, TV cubes with 3 videos , Temple Bar Gallery, Dublin 2004
Headbox, 2004, video still
Headbox, 2004, video still
Headbox, 2004, Experimental Table and Chairs on Viewing Platform, wall mounted Headbox, Temple Bar Gallery, Dublin, 2004
Headbox, 2004, TV cubes with 3 videos , Experimental Table and Chairs on Viewing Platform, wall mounted Headbox, Temple Bar Gallery, Dublin, 2004
Headbox, 2004, wall mounted Headbox housing stereoscope and speakers, Wall handles, Temple Bar Gallery, Dublin 2004
Headbox, 2004, wall mounted Headbox housing stereoscope and speakers, Wall handles, Temple Bar Gallery, Dublin 2004
Headbox, 2004, video still
Headbox, 2004, TV cubes with 3 videos, EV+A, St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick, 2005
CIRCA, 118, Winter 2006, Contemporary Visual Culture In Ireland, 25th Anniversary Issue
Headbox, 2004, wall mounted Headbox with stereoscopic image and audio, wall handles, Temple Bar Gallery, 2004