Frozen Words by John Roach 01/16/2020


Installation by John Roach
Opening Reception, Thursday January 16, 6pm – 9pm⠀
On View from Thursday, January 16, 2020 to Saturday February 1, 2020 ⠀
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Frozen Words is an installation that uses immersive sound and glass objects to make an unlikely connection between an absurd work of 16th century literature, the ancient pseudo-science of alchemy, and political hate speech. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a 17 minute sound work for 12 speakers that puts the listener aboard a boat with the characters from François Rabelais’ book Gargantua and Pantagruel. As the crew sails through a frozen sea they are bombarded with the ghostly sounds of a fierce battle which, frozen in the air during the harsh winter, have begun to thaw. As they explode they reveal not only the horrible sounds of war, but the degraded language of President Donald Trump bursting from the media of the 21st century. ⠀
Gallery Hours: Fridays 4pm – 9pm. Saturdays and Sundays 10pm – 6pm ⠀
The sound of Frozen Words will play on the hour and half-hour during open gallery hours.