Before The Sun

Before The Sun
2010
Karthik Pandian
Medium: Two Channel looping 16mm film installation with optical sound, rammed earth, shells, mirrorpane glass and mason's line


When I was first told we would be visiting an art gallery, of course I expected white walls with paintings, photographs etc. But, when we arrived at the gallery and walked inside it was pitch black. When you step inside the gallery you are drawn to the only light source which is two projections being displayed. As you watch the films you see the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, but as you watch them you are stricken with a feeling that you are setting foot on another world.

As you look to the center of the room there is a plaza where the two projectors are resting. If you touch the plaza you will notice that it has a grainy feeling and it is crumbly. It gives an earthy feeling. The atmosphere gives you a sense that you are actually at the site of the film. At first I was confused as to what the film was about, but after we were educated on it things made more sense. The creator, Karthik Pandian has a love for archeology and the film took place at an archeological dig at the Cahokia Mounds in St. Louis. These mounds were used for spiritual purposes by Native Americans. After knowing that and watching the films again you feel more of a connection to the pieces.