·Loading spinners on forms to spin either cocoons or flat shapes. A whole section continues to be set up in the window and the spinners have been staying in the gallery overnight because they do not need to eat. Spinning cycle is 3 days and 3 nights. After spinning they turn into pupa, either inside a cocoon or on the open weaving. The metamorphoses of the spinners spinning flat shapes, is made visible, by placing the depleted spinners in small translucent plastic vitrines on the spinning table, where they will turn into a moth within 13-15 days. Edwin is great at checking to see if worms drop down from the wall on the days that I am not there.
South African born, VA-based artist Elsabe Dixon uses biological life cycles of insects to investigate and rationalize her relationship with changing systems and network interfaces through audience interaction.
LIVE/LIFE will show an insect life cycle as an ephemeral gesture throughout the time period of five months. A simple gesture of revealing the life-cycle of insects (in particular the domesticated silkworm or Bombyx Mori) will allow visitors to the art center to “observe (and interact with) nature, inside”. The insects used are silkworms, the only domesticated insect in the world and the silk worms are familiar with - and even rely on - human interaction. These insects are not behind vitrines and there are no barriers between the insects and the audience. Those visiting the A.I.R gallery can get as close to, or as far away from, the insects as they feel they want to. Through the interaction of people, insects, and a particular scene/live installation environment, those who come through the gallery doors could experience the renewed understanding of their personal expectations and associations with things inside that should be outside. The idea is to create a dynamic interpretation of LIFE CYCLE, which produces an activated live gallery space of simultaneous and collective sensory reception.