The Muriel Lake Incident

September 3 - November 16, 2019
West Gallery

The Muriel Lake Incident

Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller

Within the large plywood box, you look over a miniature model movie theatre constructed in hyper perspective. A western noir plays on the screen. Put on the headphones, and you become immersed in a classic theatre experience.

Recorded using binaural audio, the audio gives you the sensation that you are sitting in an actual movie theatre. Beside you, there is rustling and your companion asks if you’d like popcorn. A multi-layered storyline emerges that combines the content of the film with the whispering of your accomplice.

All the elements converge on a surprise ending. As a viewer, you become by turns a voyeur, witness, and participant in the narrative. Ultimately, this piece will displace you and question what constitutes a “real” experience.