SHAUN GLADWELL: THE APPROACH
Finally you let go and experience euphoria amidst eddies of turgid bodies.
In a Station of the Metro (2005): Within breakdancing parlance, the 'baby freeze' move
implies the possibility (inevitability) of being 'unfrozen'. You struggle against gravity and an
avalanche of commuters. The human river now threatening to sweep you away induces panic. You enter
a crisis similar to that of Butoh: as muscles experience myalgia from exhaustion and overload, is
this now the beginning of a raw, naked movement? Finally you let go and experience euphoria amidst
eddies of turgid bodies.
Pacific undertow sequence: The act of surfing implies the possibility (inevitability) of
being dumped. You are held underwater and shaken with terrific force. All sense of direction and
control is lost as you confront the immense volume and force of the ocean. Now, depleted of oxygen,
anoxia induces panic. You enter a crisis – is this a simulation or actual drowning? Finally you let
go and experience euphoria amidst clouds of turgid water.
The Pirate Bay: ‘Surfing the internet’ implies the possibility (inevitability) of being
dumped. You are stripped of your work as it is disseminated via endless torrents to the rest of the
datasphere. At the same time, you are offered every other work that drifts by. At first, your
shattered sense of authorship and ownership induces panic. You enter a crisis – were these works
ever yours or have they always been the products and property of others? Finally you let go and
experience euphoria amidst clouds of turgid data.
SHAUN GLADWELL
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