Tell me a story
Interactive video installation using Isadora software.
Electronics, books displaying images of the seven basic plots, wooden painted table, video projection, 2018
This intimate interactive exhibition references the seven basic plots of storytelling that are said to be in every novel or narrative film ever made:
Journey & Return
Quest
Rebirth
Tragedy
Comedy
Slaying the Monster
Rags to Riches
Storytelling is at the foundation of being human. Stories about others help us to understand ourselves and each other. This is a work where life imitates art. Ordinary people of diverse age, culture, and gender were asked to tell a true story from their own lives. They did not rehearse their story, just told it once over a few minutes. Each filmed story was sorted into one of the seven basic plots and linked to buttons disguised as books featuring an image for each plot. The work was projected with interactivity facilitated using Isadora software, coding and electronics. Through hearing these stories can we find deeper empathy and connection to others? All lives are extraordinary.
View a story
This story was told by a 12 year old girl who recounts the awakening she experienced when she began High School.
Her description of her senses coming alive after languishing for the last few years in Primary School, is a pure Rags to Riches tale.
What next?
The first iteration of this project was done as a part of my Masters at UNSW Art & Design. There are plans to expand this project for a larger audience in the future.