Incorporating movement amongst a photograph translates into the continually expansive and inventive video medium. In "Epic Moments," at the Firehouse Center for the Visual Arts in Burlington, VT, Kristin Humbargar has realistically translated everyday experiences into black and white films of symbolism and depth. By exercising repetition in film, comprehension of the artist’s intentions will deepen amongst each passing eye, elongating our appreciation for the simple and mundane. This inventive collection of five pieces ambitiously hangs where few films have gone before - within a darkened gallery on wide projection screens. Professing that Hunbargar’s work stands out is simply putting it lightly.
"Washing," projects a woman scrubbing a large outspoken wooden door hung outside the screen. The female subject appears as a ghostly image, simulating an out of body experience, allowing the viewer to perceive their ground as haunted terrain. Once approaching the screen closer, the woman possesses a fairy tale quality, representing a surreal image of detriment and focus, diligently going about her work while leaving and later returning within her own world.
"Kiss" provides you the unique perspective of looking down on two capricious eyes and mouth belonging to the artist, previously filmed and projected in sporadic combinations of three. By observing closely, the viewer is animated with candid faces of shyness, confidence, bewilderment and joy that at times even equates towards a human blowfish. Instead of bubbles we get waves of human emotion eventually concluding with a quick kiss, exhibiting that while puckering up, our lips dance to a beat of their own.
Humbarger uses the wide-angle camera to portray depth and longevity in "Side Stroke," examining the simplicity and gracefulness of an elderly woman swimming across the length of a pool, eventually resembling grace and endurance. The subject transforms into a favorable identity through a series of movements that bond a relationship between viewer and subject.
"Walking" portrays a middle- aged man strutting his way up the length of a sidewalk, as if he owns the world. His inspirational footsteps scream with ignition and power, eventually approaching a face to face confrontation between viewer and subject, allowing for a suspenseful visit.
Although this exhibit ends on April 20th, there is just enough time to view these five awe inspiring films. Humbargar’s work projects both personal and universal issues upon a new light, capturing our imagination.
For more information, please visit www.burlingtoncityarts.com
