Coincidence (2017)
Site Specific Installation: 11 x 72 inches, vinyl
Vinyl stickers with the word 'coincidence' printed in 11 inches wide by 72 inches high on two pillars which face each other in the gallery space 20 feet apart. Both words are grey however one is a slightly lighter shade of grey than the other. The words are placed with one reading from top to bottom and the other vise versa. As the viewer enters the gallery space, they may only see one of the two installations until they move closer to the pillars. Once near either one of the pillars the viewer will recognize the second corresponding 'coincidence' as they are now placed in between the installation. The tones of the letters are so similar in shade that it may take the viewers eye a moment to recognize the difference. Some viewers even question if the tones are in fact different at all. These subtle contrasts are intended to be used as metaphorical puzzle pieces for the viewer to put together in order to experience the simulated coincidence.
What happens to the viewers cognitive processes while making these associations is a simulation of what happens when we experience coincidence. In fact, the installation is not a coincidence. Coincidence is not something that can be created. There is intent behind the subject being displayed which is contradictory to the subject itself. This leads to questions about the differences between chance and intension as well as paradox. While experiencing the piece the viewer is going through a process of looking for and recognizing coincidence. It becomes investigative.
This installation acts a s a prompt for the viewer to engage in conversation and/or contemplation about what coincidence is and how we interpret and experience it. It is not a permanent state. By installing a temporary vinyl sticker to display these concepts I further address the fact that this installation will only exist in this particular time and space. This activates the space in between the two coincidence pillars as a formative place where the viewer finds them selves experiencing simulated coincidence.
photos: Michael Denton