Two women occupy one space. Without showing their faces, the camera lingers on their bodies in images that capture both from an extreme high angle. The camera distorts the female body, even creating a grotesque effect. A voice repeatedly calls for a woman: “Lisa, come here, don’t be afraid… that’s it, I won’t hurt you.” A video which explores the gaze on the female body, and the desires and violence overwhelming it.
This title is also available on Hester Scheurwater Videoworks: Volume 1.
Hester Scheurwater (born 1971, H.I. Ambacht, The Netherlands) studied monumental art at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in The Hague, where she participated in workshops with Frans Zwartjes and Nan Hoover. She now teaches video art at the Academy.
Since 1996, Scheurwater has made video installations and experimental films that have been shown all over the world at festivals, museums, galleries and art spaces. In many of her short films and videos, Hester Scheurwater's camera explores the relationships between human beings, and between humans and space, relationships that rarely flourish. The modern individual appears isolated from reality, unable to connect with self or surroundings. In Scheurwater's universe there is very little room for human warmth; the only hope that remains is the camera itself, feverishly searching for compassion in the remnants of decay.
For a conversation we had with Hester Scheurwater visit VDB asks... Hester Scheurwater