H E L I D O N G J E R G J I
KALEIDOSCOPE 2
Interior view
2003
Three painted TV-s, live television, half way mirror
55” x 24” x 24”
Inside a structure made of two-way mirrors I have arranged three small TV-sets. I have painted their screens with translucent enamel paint and they are tuned into different channels. Thanks to the effect created by the mirror structure, the reflections of the three TV-sets are multiplied in all directions and the images change together with the changing of the television images, giving the impression of a kaleidoscope whose coloured lights move harmoniously in the dark.
Beyond the beauty of the visual effect of the Kaleidoscope, this work stimulates reflection about the present role of television. This perfect television democracy becomes the tomb of reality. The TV ceases to be a distinct identity, and becomes a chameleon-like image, permitting everybody to easily find their self reflection. The television patterns generated randomly by the Kaleidoscope can range from a football match to a talk show or a war reportage. In their contrasting multiplicity, in their capacity to create links between apparently random images, these permutations are prone to reveal the underlying powerful interests that constitutes the politics and economics of today's media as an undivided body - a homogenous, global whole.
Exterior view
KALEIDOSCOPE
KALEIDOSCOPE
Interior view
Interior view
This project was also realized in a different version in 2001.
Three painted TV-s, live television, Mylar mirror, Plexiglas mirror
55” x 24” x 24”
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Pedro Velez, 2002, "Kaleidoscope," Sculpture Magazine.
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Michelle Grabner, 2001, "Helidon Gjergji," New Art Examiner.