February 2012 Archives

The Chronicles of Disappearance is an exhibit on display at Montreal's DHC gallery from January 19- May 13 2012.  Comprised of five international artists, Omer Fast, Teresa Margolles, Philippe Parenno, Taryn Simon and Jose Toirac, the exhibit introduces works of varying mediums that collectively discuss and explore notions of death, loss and absence. 

Philippe Parenno's video June 8, 2021 (2009) is of particular interest for review.  Recorded on 70mm and digitally projected on a very large screen, the 7 minute film powerfully consumes the audience through the size of the projection and usage of sound and movement. The rich-coloured film commences with a forceful drumbeat matching the visual movement of a train traveling forward on a railway.  As the train travels through fields, forests and towns, its passing is acknowledged by many people dressed in 1940's attire, who stand and watch the locomotive in silence.  Scenes of people watching the train are chaptered by brief scenes of stillness in the green forest and a boat in the water with a single passenger, a breeze and wind being the only disruptions of this peace.

Twitter is a terrific forum in which one may have plenty of exposure to parts of the internet that may otherwise go completely unnoticed.  Following news outlets is especially enlightening because of how they "tweet" whenever a new article is added to their online database.  Most recently, this article from the Montreal Gazette reports on a doggy-daycare center that lied to the owners of a dog that was killed in their care.

Without even finishing the article, it's hard to understand the owner's hesitation to press chargs.  While Stanely, a Montreal Shih Tzu was at doggy-daycare, he was unfortunately mauled to-death by some of the larger dogs at the center.  Though this tragedy could have probably been prevented, the real upset is in the manner in which the owners of Montreal Dogs dealt with the situation. The owners were told that Stanley had run away.  Owners and employees helped search for the dog and post reward posters, already knowing that Stanley had deceased.

Losing a loved one, no matter what their bodily form, is a difficult and emotional task.  Closure is a notable ingredient to successfully making it through such a period, and it is completely unfair to withhold that from someone in mourning.  Perhaps the owners of the Dog center felt that they cushioning the blow this loss - unfortunately it seems as though only more pain was inflicted, and perhaps a lawsuit.


(On the topic of dogs, be sure to take a look at Seth Casteel's amusing photo series of dogs jumping into water)

I just stumbled upon this article that records the notes of some nurses who are surrounded with human mortality on a daily, working basis.  The article, as seen in The Guardian, highlights common regrets expressed by those who are reflecting on their lives - something for each of us to think about throughout our chaotic lives!

The music industry suffered an incredible loss this weekend with the tragic death of Whitney Houston (1963-2012).  The singer was discovered Saturday evening in the bathtub of her Beverly Hills hotel room.  Her cause of death has not yet been established, though there have been many speculations, many surrounding her various drug prescriptions.  For an extensive profile of her life and career, check out this article from the Lost Angeles Times.  

Play with Me is an interactive media game where the narrative may advance when the player clicks on one of the illuminated objects in the dollhouse. This game is dark, twisted and the outcome is uncontrollable... play it here!