|
As with Michael O'Reilly's 'Orion Climbs', Stewart's work also touches on the question of identity and by chance, Ireland plays a part in both productions. Stewart and O'Reilly, however, each have a totally different point of departure. O'Reilly is an American with Irish grandparents who tells of his childhood quest for his roots in an intimate and personal way. Stewart was not born in America, but in Northern Ireland and now lives in England. That in itself could be described as a charged background which would give every interpretation of his work a political slant. But Stewart manages to go beyond this through his point of view that identity should be found in the first place on the personal level and may not be subservient to people, party or religion. In 'Flat Earth' he shows landscapes of a beech wood and agricultural land lying fallow, alternating and overwritten by long lists with meaningless six letter words. These are all possible combinations of i-r-e-(-land) and e-n-g-(land): a deconstruction of the national identity. The fallow land can be seen as a metaphor for what Stewart calls a fruitful subconscious. The battle for a new and more authentic personal identity is fought on this land.
–
Lies Holtrop
|
Editing: Andrew Stones, Sound: Joakim Sundström Computer, Animation: Glyn Hawley, 3D effect: Steve Hawley, With thanks to: Brian McClave, Marcus Bastel
|
|
1 9 9 4 
