sotto voce

Emmett Walsh

The writing of a legacy; taking the field of history. ‘sotto voce’ relates the romanticised downfall of an hubristic man of power through the assemblage of a hokey mise en scene. The Spectacle space will be physically divided by a transparent floor-to-ceiling back projection, serving as a monotonous shifting backdrop to a wooden construction resembling part quarterdeck, part balustrades and stage. Sturdy wooden floor boards atop a low rising criss-crossed scaffold with more than a hint of gallows suggested, and a certain breed of furniture to accommodate the viewer whilst looking over a scattered array of sculptural objects and printed fictional ephemera and reminiscences. The inclusion of an enlarged wooden ‘balustrade’ sculpture - an item seemingly both functional and inept, tapering down from its ornate beginnings into a malicious and suggestive tip – drawing intimations of intent and sinister retribution.  

Alluding to Napoleon’s incarceration aboard the British Navy ship Bellerophon before his final demise, ‘sotto voce’ charts the heroic ideal of self-aggrandizement in the face of ruin, and the desire to stave off the apparent fallibility of ambition.

Opens 19th May, 6 -9pm
Continues 20th - 27th, 12 -5pm

Back