Lester Alfonso’s IMAGINARIUM to premiere on library windows this Friday!
Video-installation imagines imagination
September 17, 2018 | Peterborough, Ontario — Award-winning filmmaker and media artist Lester Alfonso has been working closely with Artsweek Peterborough and the main branch of The Peterborough Public Library to present a free kid-friendly multi-media event this weekend that utilizes the architecture of the library itself. It will happen for three days only — September 21, 22, and 23, 2018. After that, it will never be seen in quite the same way again.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
Utilizing multiple projectors and rear projection screens, I’ve created an original movie that has to be specifically video-projected on part of the building itself or the effect would not really work.
I was walking by the library one day just as the new design of the building was being unveiled to the public. When I set eyes on the architecture, it reminded me of an aquarium. And then, I thought, perhaps the library is an “aquarium” for the imagination — so, it must be an Imaginarium.
When the call out for art proposals came for Artsweek 2018 with the theme “Art in Unexpected Places,” I felt compelled to write up a project that explored the theme of books and I started to imagine what an “imaginarium” might actually look like conceptually.
I used tracks from the groundbreaking album Amanita (1980) by the incredibly talented Sherine Cisco. As an accomplished 3D animator, Sherine also created custom 3D animation for the project that effectively replaces the front room of the library into a virtual room where we imagined surreal events taking place. Watch for giant spiders and alien worlds.
The sound got the sweet treatment by amazing sound designer/mixer Michael Phillips and it will be broadcast on an FM frequency that goes together with the video — tune in to 91.5FM while the video-installation is happening.
If you go to the Artsweek grand opening at 7pm on Friday, September 21st, we will have a boombox broadcasting the soundtrack. On Saturday and Sunday it’s strictly BYO boombox or you can listen from your car. Park across the street and stay for the 13 minute short film, like going to a drive-in movie. It loops four times an hour from 8pm – 11pm all three days.
I would love for everyone in Peterborough to catch a glimpse of this once-in-a-blue-moon kind of kid-friendly free event that imagines imagination. Thanks for all your support over the years, Peterborough.
Here’s a video clip of an early test, to give you a glimpse. Thanks again.
Yours, LA
