Arret Sur Image

This exhibition embedded a solo show of three new installation works and ten older film installation works of mine into a five month programme of some 300 films I curated examining the historical background and context for my work. This large scale project was the result of a two year research and collaboration.

The three new films which constituted my primary output were: “Queensway: Pan and Zoom”; “Downtown: Tilt, Pan and Zoom”; “Spadina: Reverse Dolly, Zoom, Nude”. (Ten other previously exhibited films were also included in the Solo show running from July to November 2006). Shown in this exhibition for the first time then forming part of the permanent collection, these three films were a new departure for me and, as the titles indicate, focused on the way technical considerations of movement and changing camera optics could sit ‘side by side’ as subject matter with the objects of depiction. Running parallel to the production of these new works, research I conducted in collaboration with Professor Laura Mulvey into the historical context of this approach to cinema became integral to the concepts embodied in the new films. Thus the curated historical film programme running simultaneously was also integral to the concept of my solo show.

Mark Lewis

Research Interests

Uses film as gallery installation medium to reflect and form critique of dominant cultural forms as they are reflected in cinema. Exhibited internationally in galleries and film festivals
Current Research

The work, mainly using film as a gallery installation medium, reflects and forms a critique of dominant cultural forms as they are represented in cinema. The installations, like 'Peeping Tom' and 'Upside Down Touch of Evil' make direct reference to existing works in the cannon and 'The Pitch' reflects on the way the process of cinema production marginalises fundamental aspects of the culture by examining particularly the 'role' of the film extra. The work has received wide exhibition in galleries and film festivals, received critical review and won awards.

• http://www.marklewisstudio.com