Space Leaks

Instillation / Performance
Artists: Kayla Elrod & Aleksander Filipiak

Space Leaks was a collaborative instillation and performance series by Aleksander Filipiak and myself, Kayla Elrod. This three-day exhibition showcased a seven-channel installation using PVC piping, tape, potted plants, LED light bulbs, fans, and sheets of plastic. The performers and their instruments were housed in semi-transparent, plastic inflated cubes for the duration of the exhibition.

Overview:
The concept for Space Leaks was to critique the limitations of white-cube gallery spaces, both in their structure and their inability to properly exhibit sound art. Our aim was to interact with the audience through the structure of the gallery itself. We created two plastic inflated cubes using sheets of semi-transparent plastic and seven sculptures using PVC plumbing pipes.
Each of the PCV sculptures housed an LED lightbulb and a single speaker. Throughout the duration of the exhibition, we positioned ourselves inside each inflatable (sometimes sharing one), and performed with each other, the space, and our respective instruments

Concept:
Space Leaks focuses on the “failure” of designated space and the illusion of privacy. While this topic can be vastly applied, Space Leaks focuses on the specific space of the SoundsAbout gallery, Berlin Germany. This gallery is intended to house sounding artworks, yet the room is untreated and highly reflective, the noise from the street constantly bleeds through, the heating is broken, the walls are soft, the locks stick, and the stairs creak. This space is less than ideal to exhibit sound. However, instead of trying to erase it’s flaws, Space Leaks encourages them by recording and designing the noises of the gallery and dispersing them back into the room.

For an extended description of this project, please visit https://corlettelrod.wixsite.com/kaylaelrod/space-leaks