The Eve of... is an installation of sculptures and video examining uncertain psychological states. Inspired by the decisive moment after setbacks and before actions, the project explores the disassembled self on the eve of re-organization.
Mirrors, colored vinyl, Mylar, plastic bags, and asphalt-based paint are used to create props and scenes of light and darkness. Through such works, viewers may encounter their own reflections or shadows, or the incongruity of ineffable emotions and physical embodiment.
The Eve Of... is inspired by internal experiences that precede language, response, and action. It marks a shift in direction from the artist’s recent work in happiness and positive psychology towards disruptive emotions and intuition.
The project also encompassed a self-initiated, five-week artist’s residency and artist-run exhibition.
The endeavor was an exercise in artists’ agency, preceded by studio-based exhibitions such as Claes Oldenberg’s The Store (1961) and Michelangelo Pistoletto’s Minus Objects (1965–66).
The Eve Of... was first exhibited by the artist September 13–24, 2014, at the Falchi Building, 31-00 47th Avenue, Long Island City, NY. An opening reception was held September 13; and a public forum with Andria Hickey, Public Art Fund Associate Curator, was held September 24.
The Eve Of... is supported by an Individual Artists grant from the Queens Council on the Arts with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Support from the Falchi Building and Whole Foods is also gratefully acknowledged.
The Eve Of... was realized with the guidance and assistance of Susan O’Malley, Mel Day, Katie Tuss, Paul Kelterborn, Falchi Building staff, Gina Mazzone, Melissa Smith, Melissa Rachleff/Bronx Museum of the Arts’ Artists in the Marketplace, David Wallace, Maria Hupfield, Nyeema Morgan, Ohad Meromi, Hank Willis Thomas, and Michael Yap.
Caption: Christine Wong Yap, The Eve Of..., 2014, mixed media, dimensions variable.