carne vale

While the origin of the term 'carnival' is believed to be Italian, its original meaning is disputed. Based on folk etymology, one interpretation of the late latin term 'carne vale' is 'a farewell to the flesh' — suggesting a release of the everyday self to embrace the spirit of the occasion. From the Caribbean carnivals of my parents' origins, to the twinkling amusement park carnivals of an urban Canadian upbringing, many incarnations surrounded me, each with a distinct character, yet similar in the emotions evoked. Softly fractured memories have melded, becoming layered and abstracted, differing customs and aesthetics are ambiguous, their origins unclear. Layered and abstract has begun to characterize my own jigsaw of identity. With fragments of influences never rooted in reality, my childhood feels like a tapestry of interwoven occasions, embraced and never fully understood. The "carne vale" short experimental video work fuses elements of mixed media, painting and video. The imagery is layered and abstracted as if looking at a carnival though the wings of a dragonfly. A dragonfly's eyes are composed of thousands of lenses fragmenting the image, while providing a wider view. This metaphor implies perception as kaleidoscopic, intricate in detail, revealing the beauty in the overlapping, blurry childhood memories and influences that shape one’s perspective.

CREDITS

Camera & audio: J. Ramlochan
Visual & sound editor: J. Ramlochan
Production Location: Toronto, Canada

DETAILS

Aspect ratio: 4:3
Digital file type: .mov
Recording format: SD
Sound: Yes
Colour/ B&W: Colour
Language: -
Subtitles: -
Close Captioning: -
Funding Sources: -

EXHIBITION HISTORY

Jul-Aug 2011 / The Annual: A Juried Members' Exhibition. Living Arts Centre Gallery, Mississauga
(presented by SAVAC in partnership with the Living Arts Centre Gallery)

Included in the "CYOA Rhythms" video installation.