Shannon Tomanovich

Unrest
2011
Charred wood, steel, vinyl, cellophane, live models and Egyptian Belly-dancing music.
88" x 56" x 99"

Unrest is a jumbled stage of fears. It forms a distorted shape to the viewer and a disorienting environment for the performer. Each element represents a component of various fears. Some regard dangers of sex, drugs, rock & roll, natural disasters, foreign affairs, war, isolation, confinement, loss, rebellion and an overall misunderstanding of surroundings.

The performer is told to dance, carefully so as not to break the thin container. I set something into action and let it go without me, like a computer without virus protection. I find humor in how beautiful this piece is in action. Because everything about Unrest is based on fear, and the people inside are just dancng. When a person moves inside they are diffused but on display. They cannot see the reactions by people outside. To me, watchingt them feels like managing to grow a willow tree in the salt flats. And It is too beautiful to last.