Dilution

In visualizing the social processes characteristic of what Nicola Bourriaud defined as “Altermodernity”, coffee is used as material and symbol. This installation constructs an immersive space, placing the spectator in the middle of the mass production process of coffee. At the same time, this spectator is stepping on the coffee grounds, embedding it into the sole of their shoes, becoming a part of the installation themselves. As time passes, the defined shape in the center of the room starts to smudge as the grounds are tracked outside of the installation and gallery. The coffee is no longer part of a contained piece, traveling, it is dispersed globally, diluted much like the culture where this commodity originates.

A collaboration with Ana Carolina Estarita Guerro and Zoey Wan Chen Lin. This 3 channel immersive installation stimulates all the senses as it comments on the ubiquitous dilution of South American culture. The floor is covered with coffee grounds which produces an overwhelming aroma and textural feeling underfoot. Viewers are encouraged to pour themselves a cup of coffee which becomes more diluted throughout the exhibition as the grounds are never changed.

Exhibitions
Lush Machines | May 2017 | University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts Gallery | Los Angeles | California

https://youtu.be/oSqQ2uPex9w