SPECIAL PROJECTS

UNCURTAIN INSTALLATION

Curtains are designed to create a sense of privacy and protection. They are a device used to conceal or act as a barrier. My work disrupts the assumption of this traditional usage, specifically in my Uncurtain installation, where I intentionally create a space with uncertain boundaries.

Although I create my own hand-dyed palette and actively repurpose my material, I am able to foster a sense of familiarity by capitalizing on universal associations of form and color. The evidence of my hand-work is clear which suggests an earnestness that extends to its own sense of playfulness. 

Essentially, the panels I construct are willfully filled with cut-outs in grid-like patterns, dismantling the whole notion of privacy. By heightening curiosity the work invites the viewer in, allowing for them to question their own role in the immersive space. Giving no indication of which side of the barrier they are on, the installation aims to reveal while generating an overall sense of withholding.

 ROOSEVELT ISLAND POOL MURAL

8,000 SQUARE FOOT MURAL

“For the Manhattan Park Pool mural I was thinking about creating areas of play and game spaces with overlapping shapes. I began by moving around forms I use in my work; playing with color combinations that stayed within a specific palette. This type of collage process is like a puzzle of shapes fitting together. The final piece is a large flattened out installation that people can walk on top of.” MD

 UNCERTAIN

A collaborative dance piece. Melissa Dadourian and Courtney Cochran

The meaning behind the title ‘Uncurtain’ is inspired by the notion of curtains and the false sense of privacy and protection they have in our society. This piece intends to use the idea of curtains as a metaphor to create a space with uncertain boundaries.

The purpose of this piece is to explore the patterns of human beings. How we start off craving connection and are willing to love and trust. But then, as we grow and see society, we begin to create our own barriers and division.  We see people differently; we begin developing trust issues and prejudices that lead us to form our own protective bubble.  And from there we enter a constant struggle of finding connections again within uncertain boundaries.

The original "Uncurtain" installation inspired me to think about division and how there are barriers all around us. The curtain and panel represent how we can either choose to be connected or divided. It's an exploration of boundaries and how they can either be positive or negative.