Blake Prize Finalist 2018 – Projection of light coming through a window, the light is cast forwards and backwards around the corner of the studio.
Shadows Hold their Breath
This video work captures light drifting through the window and settling on the corner of a room. The light inhales and exhales as it travels backwards and forwards across the two walls. The movement is imperceptible and the trick of the light which creates a corner where there is none plays with the perceptions of what is real, and what we know.
We breathe without thinking, it gives us life, a reflection of our humanity. Just as the light passes through our days, in the knowledge and belief that a new day will always follow the darkness.
The title is taken from a line in Emily Dickinson’s There’s a certain Slant of light.
There’s a certain Slant of light,
BY EMILY DICKINSON
There’s a certain Slant of light,
Winter Afternoons –
That oppresses, like the Heft
Of Cathedral Tunes –
Heavenly Hurt, it gives us –
We can find no scar,
But internal difference –
Where the Meanings, are –
None may teach it – Any –
‘Tis the seal Despair –
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the Air –
When it comes, the Landscape listens –
Shadows – hold their breath –
When it goes, ’tis like the Distance
On the look of Death –
Sarah Woodward 