_scape with 6 and 7, 2009-2010

Annie Onyi Cheung - Toronto, Canada

Video Installation with Multi-Channel Sound

In _scape with 6 and 7 the rise and fall of the human form is placed at a distance from the reality of anatomy and science. The rhythmic cycle of breathing is presented as an undulating sound and land-scape, exploring and exploiting each breath as a persistent yet variable force. The land here might seem at first to be composed of eerily rolling hills, but is constituted by human chests rising and falling through the seven performers’ breaths. Framed as an anonymous and surreal terrain in motion, the flesh can be perceived as both concrete and abstract. The image is saturated in a manner that is both soothing and overpowering. The meditative tone is coupled with a persevering intensity. The focused attention on the simplicity of breathing is amplified by the plural performance. Through this video projection accompanied by surround sound, we find that each of our breaths is not singular but shared by our neighbor. We are all part of a constantly changing breathscape. Standing next to you is a person breathing.

Annie Onyi Cheung is an emerging performance, video and installation artist. Her work has recently been shown at Doris McCarthy Gallery (2010), Blackwood Gallery (2009), Fleishman Gallery (2009), and Queen West Art Crawl (2008). In 2007 she co-founded Collective, a collaborative performance group and in 2009 she became a member of 7a*11d. Cheung performed during Free Fall (2010) with Tanya Mars, and juried ‘A is for Anomie’ for Images Festival 2010. Born in Hong Kong, she lives and works in Toronto.

Suitable for all ages

In association with Labspace Studio and Michelle Irving (Sound Engineer)

Thank you to:
R Saulnier, G Schmalz, J Loerchner, M Irving, M Hlady, M Onodera & special thanks to all performers