Waltzing Matilda - 2000 Materials: Wigs, machines (various mechanical parts, painted Bondo on styrofoam), painted wood cabinet, misc. electronics, stereo and speakers, music, audio cabinet. Dimensions variable Machine design by Colin Harry
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Three wig machines are installed in a painted wood cabinet that has been fitted to the window area of an empty store. Three versions of the chorus of “Waltzing Matilda” are playing simultaneously: the British folk singer June Tabor, the Irish-English rock band The Pogues and Tom Waits. Each chorus has been digitally edited to a seamless loop, the three singers also made to sing in the same key. Each version of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ is connected to a wig machine via simple electronics. The electronics function as motor speed controls - the wig machines are literally waltzing to the music. The initial experience of the wig machines is without music, as you approach the storefront from the street. Once inside, the three choruses are playing through speakers located at the back of the space. The empty floor between the speakers and the wig machines is an invitation akin to an empty dance floor. Exhibition History: 2005 New General Catalog (New York, USA); 2001 The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery (Toronto, Canada); 2000 solo site project for PEREGRINE (independent project collective), 800 Dundas Street West (Toronto, Canada)