confessional. collaborative art installation with vanathy ganesharajah

come up to my room, gladstone hotel, toronto 2014

As modern technology advances at rapid speeds, our methods of communication are increasingly confessional, yet surprisingly devoid of physical interface with others. Confessional explores the relationship between public and private spheres, referencing the architecture and attributes of traditional sacred spaces, while creating a new space that encourages the physical experience of exposure and concealment. Traditionally, a confessional is a freestanding structure where the screen – separating penitent and priest – hides or diminishes the identity of the sinner. 

Contemporary practices have changed so this separation is no longer used; however, it is this offer of anonymity that allows for an unfolding of the soul. In this installation, participants will journey through a pathway of screens, being folded into areas where they see others obscured, or find themselves alone and hidden from view. In this manner, we echo the nature of the confessional, where one is simultaneously veiled, yet revealed, physically and psychologically.

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