sleeping (in ‘a city that never sleeps’)

2015
two-part video (04:56, 03:10)

 

 

 

 

Installation views as part of EYECATCHER V at Focal Point Gallery, Southend-on-Sea, UK, 2019
Photo: Anna Lukala, Courtesy of Focal Point Gallery

 

 

 

Installation views, 2015
The first chapter of the novel Asleep in the Afternoon by E.C. Large, first published in 1938, was read to accompany the work.
(read by Joakim Derlow)

 

 

for your highest visibility
visible but not
visible
vertical
activity goes on
yellow
how come the city never sleeps at night?

white
cool white
premium soft white
warm white
light
ensures your sight
and your highest efficiency
how come the city never sleeps at night?

happens in yellow
and happens horizontally
horizontally
lie down
how come the city never sleeps at night?

under construction
washing underwear
under action
under inaction
under t-i-o-n
a noun of action
a noun of inaction
how come the city never sleeps at night?

yellow
means
activity
happening horizontally
a sign of action
a sign of inaction
how come the city never sleeps at night?

for your highest utility
happening but not
happening
quote
maybe we don’t need any vertical transcendence after all
unquote
how come the city never sleeps at night?