Blind Spot

2000
Part of Last, First, MI, 1926 Gallery, Chicago, IL
Interactive, personalized sound and video installation

Blind Spot was part of an exhibition entitled Last, First, MI that was shown at the 1926 Gallery in Chicago. Visitors took a computer survey upon entering the gallery, and were issued an ID number. To access any of the artworks, the visitor typed in the ID number on a keypad next to the piece. Data from their survey was accessed on the main server, and was used to modify the artwork. Entering an ID number into the Blind Spot keypad caused a video monitor, enclosed in a small, gold frame, to activate. An eyeball-shaped digital video camera, which is suspended directly in front of the monitor, feeds the image of the viewer's face to the monitor in back. A pixilated, choppy image of the visitor's face, partially obscured by the camera, can be seen. As the video starts, a computer-synthesized voice begins to talk. The computer drones on for about two minutes, reading a series of daily affirmations collected from an internet search. Depending on the visitor's answers in the survey, one of four texts is selected, a male or female voice reads the text, and the visitor's first name is inserted into the script.

QuickTime movie
800Kb

QuickTime audio
500Kb

The texts:

Happiness

MARY, you are at peace with the Universe.
You love and accept yourself.
You are safe and always feel protected.
You are surrounded with loving, caring people in your life.
You trust your inner being to lead you on the right path.
MARY, you are vibrantly healthy and radiantly beautiful.
You are at peace with yourself.
You are open to receiving all the blessings of this abundant universe.
The light within you is creating miracles in your life here and now.
MARY, you are filled with the Love of the Universal Divine Truth.
You express anger in appropriate ways so that peace and harmony are balanced at all times.
You are at one with the inner child in you.
Today, you remember that you are thankful for all the Love, Joy and Abundance in your life.
Today, you surrender your resistance to being large.
You will accept your imperfections and you will feel pleased with your efforts to achieve.
MARY, Your dignity is solid and enduring.
You dare to risk and you risk your daring.
MARY, Today you will forgive yourself freely.

Desire

MARY, you are worthy of love.
As you allow love to come to you, you are fulfilling your true nature.
You accept love as you accept the sunshine, and the moistening rain.
You are slim and attractive.
MARY, All your desires in relationships are being fulfilled everyday.
You attract powerfully positive and healthy people into your life.
You radiate with warmth and confidence.
You are extremely successful in your love relationships.
MARY, You have given yourself permission to be at one with the Universe.
You are a sensual, thoughtful, passionate lover, and your partners are sensual, thoughtful, and passionate in their love for you. You know clearly who you are and what you want in personal relationships.
MARY, You are caring, wise, and fun to be with.
You feel completely at ease and comfortable with all people.
You experience love deeply, and grow richer because of this everyday.
MARY, You always do the healthy thing in your relationships.

Success

MARY, You are a success in all that you do.
You are always productive.
All things are now working together for good in your life.
You respect your abilities and always work to your full potential.
You are constantly adding to your income.
You always spend money wisely.
MARY, There is limitless supply and it is yours.
You release your need for financial insecurity.
You are surrounded by loving, giving people.
MARY, you have everything you want or need.
You release your fear of wealth and wellness.
You allow yourself to prosper.
You have more than you need in every area of your life.
You open yourself to receive the abundance of The Universe.
You enjoy a steady flow of positive energy.
MARY, you are success.
You have plenty of time and money.
MARY, You are living your dream.

Fortitude

MARY, Every day in every way you are getting better and better.
You are in control of your health and wellness.
You have abundant energy, vitality and well-being.
You are healthy in all aspects of your being.
You are filled with energy to do all the daily activities in your life.
MARY, Your mind is at peace. Your body is in perfect harmony.
MARY, you are in control.
You will stand in your full empowerment, calling forth all your strengths and wisdom to share with others.
You take responsibility for your physical self, your wellness, and your health.
You love and care for your body and it cares for you.
MARY, You give thanks now for your life of health, wealth, happiness, and perfect self-expression.