Studio Azzuro was set up in Milan in 1982 as a workshop for video productions. The artistic group consists of three people specialized in different disciplines: Fabio Cirifino (photography), Paolo Rosa (graphic art and film) and Leonardo Sangiorgi (graphics, Music and animation). Since its inception, this group has created impressive installations and has acquired international recognition with various video ambiences. As well as artistic activities in the field of graphic art, the trio has a more interdisciplinary approach, principally in theatre, Music and film. They worked on a film for Peter Greenaway, made video set decorations for a theatrical work about Giorgio Armani at the fashion fair in Florence and, together with G.B. Corsetti, took care of the inauguration of Documenta 8 with a video opera. tableS/Because these hands are touching me is an interactive video installation. There are six, slightly tilting tables in a simple darkened space. A video tape is projected onto each table which recalls classical themes. There is a burning candle (the symbol of mortality), a resting woman in a white nightgown and several still-lifes; a table set with some cups, bread and fruit and a table with a bowl that is slowly filled with drops of water. People, objects and situations are present in the space without being materially tangible. They are unsubstantial shadows which can be touched but which are still illusory. The viewer sets changes in these projections in motion (which exude a certain peace and weightlessness) by simply touching the surface of the tables. The lying woman begins to move and stretches nonchalantly. The candle falls over and causes an explosion of fire whereby the surface of the table seems to be singed away. The table cloth on the laid table is pulled away with one sharp tug. And the bowl with water overflows as a result of an unexpected, sudden torrent. Touching and feeling (and the consequences thereof), that is what this work is all about. The sense of touch is the only sense that assimilates and leaves traces, it is the most intimate. It passes on physical information, gets involved and leaves a permanent impression behind. There are risks attached to each contact which themselves have direct consequences. Although it is apparently impossible to have 'feeling' for a projected world, you can undergo a relationship with it. Six imaginary appearances, unmoving, spiritless, come to life with each touch. They can be released from the unbearable lightness of their being.
– Marieke van Hal
|
6 CD-I players, 6 LCD projectors, 12 active loud speakers, 1 computer, 6 tables
|
|
1 9 9 7 
