amazon

16mm film, 2005
1:34min
Edition of 5 + AP

amazon is a 16mm film projection of an androgynous figure shooting. A fast edit gives this minute and a half long film the sense of a single shot. For the most part, the camera is tight on the body - neck, chest and arm muscles snap between tension and rest. When it jumps back it exposes the torso as that of a single-breasted woman. Under the glare of harsh sunlight the arrow imprints stark shadows as the woman relentlessly shoots. Even when we see the spear's head, we never see a target. It is not about 'where it is aimed' but about the act of 'getting there'. amazon makes reference to the Greek myth of a matriarchal society of brave female warriors who are said to have cut off one breast to hit their target better. The work speaks of harnessed strength, female courage and determination to act and overcome perceived physical and psychological restrictions.

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