adrian wood

Voroboros is a short film that emerges from the chronic sensation of self-sacrifice by self-consumption, in order to survive an extraction-based capitalist society. The story of eating oneself to survive is told through mythology, biology, history and fantasy in this 25-minute experimental film.

As much as it is an experimental short film, Voroboros also documents the physical performances generated through participatory models. Directing this film, I worked with non-actors and non-dancers, verbally directing them through improvised movement sequences for the camera that invited them to embody processes of decay and regeneration. The collaborative performance-building engaged a mode of non-cochlear listening: internal listening beyond the mechanics of the ear. In this case, listening with and to the body.

These images document the installation "Voroboros" at New City Arts Welcome Gallery in Charlottesville, VA, April 5-20. Above, a wide angle photo shows most of the gallery. The film is projected on a piece of frosted plexiglass suspended from the ceiling by a 1" zinc coated chain. There are three wooden chairs where visitors can sit to watch the film, on a green round carpet. Closest to the viewer, behind the chairs is a plinth on which sits an item from the film: a clay mouth on top of a clear box with sound electronics on the inside, atop a swatch of pink faux fur and iridescent plastic. Detail shots reveal assemblage elements including pearls and peacock feathers. On the wall are three small portraits of characters from the film.

Below, the projected film is visible behind a curtain of silver mylar fringe that hangs floor to ceiling. On the wall are five framed concept sketches.

I activated this show with a queer dance party called Gut Flora. I DJed this free party alongside my friend Peleona. Two photos below show the risograph flyer for the party, and the party itself, with queers dancing in front of a wall-sized projection of the film.