Prepersonal, 2016 , acrylic, wood, silicone rubber, polyurethane foam, steel, headphones, iPad, and digital video with sound; 6 min. Courtesy the artist.
Prepersonal (still), 2016 , digital video with sound; 6 min. Courtesy the artist.
Prepersonal, 2016 , acrylic, wood, silicone rubber, polyurethane foam, steel, headphones, iPad, and digital video with sound; 6 min. Courtesy the artist.
Self-Extension Roll, 2016, performance, April 10, 2016. Photo: Kuo-Heng Huang.
Self-Extension Roll, 2016, performance, April 10, 2016. Photo: Maria Baranova.
Self-Extension Roll, 2016, performance, April 10, 2016. Photo: Maria Baranova.
Self-Extension Roll, 2016, performance, April 10, 2016. Photo: Maria Baranova.
Self-Extension Roll, 2016, performance, April 10, 2016. Photo: Maria Baranova.
Drawing from the ergonomic architecture of modular office units, fitness centers, and spas, Prepersonal is a catalyst for dialogue among object, environment, body, and self. The neutral colors McLain employs in the sculpture and video installation are reminiscent of hospital waiting rooms, an archetype of institutional spaces that have been designed to prime us for the specific behaviors and functions that occur within them. Visitors enter a semi-confined enclosure, fitted with a countertop for leaning, hand-shaped grips, and a variety of subtle textures such as silicone padding. The video installed within Prepersonal takes inspiration from the online video subculture of ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response), a practice which aims to provoke pleasurable tingling sensations in viewers through subtle visual and auditory stimuli. The tactile and intimate nature of the installation advances the characteristic tendency of McLain’s work, and complicates our ingrained relationships to virtual touch and sensory connection, blurring the boundaries between physical and psychological, public and private space.
Performances:
Self-Extension Roll
April 10th, 5pm
May 8th, 2:30pm
Self-Extension Roll is a performance that activates the space, architecture, and audience surrounding the Queens International 2016. Multiple performers conduct subtle choreographed movements that explore how the physical senses inform our social environment, either moving in unison or improvising according to a set of predetermined guidelines.
Melanie McLain received an MFA in Sculpture and Extended Media from Virginia Commonwealth University (2012), a BFA in Sculpture from University of Florida (2006), and a BS in Psychology from University of Florida (2006). She has shown her work at Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island City, NY (2015), Churner & Churner Gallery, New York, NY (2014), Practice Gallery, Philadelphia, PA(2014) and Primetime Gallery, Brooklyn, NY (2013). She is a Visiting Scholar at New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development (2015-16), a Workspace Resident, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (2015-16), and recipient of Emerging Artist Fellowship, Socrates Sculpture Park (2015-16).