SOL | REQ
SOL|REQ
A project created for FLIRTING THE PRECIPICE • HILLSCENE LIVE 2020 by two friends separated by a pandemic and the Bass strait, SOL|REQ from its initial creation has always been a meeting place. This virtual 3D exhibition encapsulates two separate works, ‘Solstice’ by mix media artist, Claire Blankendaal and ‘Requiem’ by sound artist, Phillip Couper.
Each work serves as a call and response to the next as they link themselves thematically to the idea of grief and loss as a passage to rebirth. Celebrating creation, rest, reflection and self acceptance, they acknowledge the ability of art and music to hold space for anyone who needs it.
REQUIEM |Phillip Couper
‘Requiem’ is a work consisting of retreats, reflection and reconstruction. It is the dark pool I have immersed myself in, a place I can go to grieve and mourn. Materially, it consists of footage and samples I have rescued from the bowels of obscure online spaces. This paints the sonic backdrop to the poetry I have anchored, to ground me as well as the reader. ‘Requiem’ was forged in the crucible of all that I have lost in the last year; partners, personhood and pursuits of happiness. It is the realm I have created, so that I may hide beneath the hymns, sung in the final resting place for all that I have lost, and continue to lose.
'Requiem' is the crystallisation of my pain, and the reflection of my grief. A deluge of tears. It is necessarily heavy, because it is personal to me. True catharsis is when you're able to manifest your trauma, and then utterly annihilate it.
SOLSTICE| Claire Frances
Visually, solstice is the representation of a daily tinkering, a diaristic process and expression of
watching, and deeply feeling the effects of 2020 on myself and those around me.
The reformation and rebirth of the self has been swift and non negotiable as we move through the seasons and as one person to another I would like to share with you my findings through creating this work;
It is ok to be sad
It is ok to be scared
It is ok to find joy and happiness amongst the chaos
It is going to be ok.
This space is a gentle reminder to rest, recover and take all the time that you need to process. Anything you do now is valid and good, so long as it comes from kindness and in so, most importantly please be kind to yourself. Believe in your own process-you’ll find not as much has been lost as also has been gained.
A project created for FLIRTING THE PRECIPICE • HILLSCENE LIVE 2020 by two friends separated by a pandemic and the Bass strait, SOL|REQ from its initial creation has always been a meeting place. This virtual 3D exhibition encapsulates two separate works, ‘Solstice’ by mix media artist, Claire Blankendaal and ‘Requiem’ by sound artist, Phillip Couper.
Each work serves as a call and response to the next as they link themselves thematically to the idea of grief and loss as a passage to rebirth. Celebrating creation, rest, reflection and self acceptance, they acknowledge the ability of art and music to hold space for anyone who needs it.
REQUIEM |Phillip Couper
‘Requiem’ is a work consisting of retreats, reflection and reconstruction. It is the dark pool I have immersed myself in, a place I can go to grieve and mourn. Materially, it consists of footage and samples I have rescued from the bowels of obscure online spaces. This paints the sonic backdrop to the poetry I have anchored, to ground me as well as the reader. ‘Requiem’ was forged in the crucible of all that I have lost in the last year; partners, personhood and pursuits of happiness. It is the realm I have created, so that I may hide beneath the hymns, sung in the final resting place for all that I have lost, and continue to lose.
'Requiem' is the crystallisation of my pain, and the reflection of my grief. A deluge of tears. It is necessarily heavy, because it is personal to me. True catharsis is when you're able to manifest your trauma, and then utterly annihilate it.
SOLSTICE| Claire Frances
Visually, solstice is the representation of a daily tinkering, a diaristic process and expression of
watching, and deeply feeling the effects of 2020 on myself and those around me.
The reformation and rebirth of the self has been swift and non negotiable as we move through the seasons and as one person to another I would like to share with you my findings through creating this work;
It is ok to be sad
It is ok to be scared
It is ok to find joy and happiness amongst the chaos
It is going to be ok.
This space is a gentle reminder to rest, recover and take all the time that you need to process. Anything you do now is valid and good, so long as it comes from kindness and in so, most importantly please be kind to yourself. Believe in your own process-you’ll find not as much has been lost as also has been gained.