Exhibits,

Rachel Feery Portal

Opening: Tuesday 8 November, 6-8pm Dates: 8-26 November 2011

‘Portal’ is an hypnotic projection and sound installation set in the darkened basement of BUS Projects by Melbourne based video artist Rachel Feery. Using a rapturous, sirenic soundscape the piece lures its viewers into the space to reveal a large floating orb of colour and light. Nebulas and veins osculate creating a passage to an alterative realm of unknown beauty and desire. Reflecting the almighty and enchanting power of modern screen based technologies, viewers are invited to encounter the screen, imagine what lies on the other side and project their desire to escape. The luscious and hypnotic imagery calls to mind a mix of Astral Projection meditation videos and the special effects language of science-fiction and fantasy films such as Poltergeist (1982), Solaris (1972), Star Trek’s talking portal featured in ‘The City on the Edge of Forever’ and Innerspace (1987) – which all can be read as metaphors for the presence of technology in day to day life and it’s seductive, multiplying, time-traveling and God-like qualities. Portal is a parallel to the power of the technological pull of the Information Age given one’s attraction to the screen interface.

Rachel Feery is a video-based artist, curator and collaborator working in hybrid art projects, performance and video installation. Alternative universes and escapism have been an ongoing interest in her practice though creating immersive and experiential artworks. She is the founder of Short Play, a DVD publication of Australian video artworks and critical essays.

Notable projects include the experiential art and music performance, Sunset Over Cardboard Mountains as part of 2010 Next Wave Festival and recently a dual video and sound projection Dream of Pictures, Blindside artist run space.