Ordinal (SW/NE): Miljohn Ruperto and Rini Yun Keagy
2015, Todd Madigan Gallery, California State University, Bakersfield, CA
Two-person Show
Curated by Jedediah Caesar
Valley Fever Public Service Announcement with Dr. Antje Lauer
video
Dr. Antje Lauer, a biologist at California State University, Bakersfield, speaks about the causes and effects of coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as valley fever. The disease, which is endemic to California’s Central Valley, is caused by a fungal spore that resides in the soil. Humans may become infected by the spore when it is airborne on the wind and inhaled.
Pazuzu
video, 6 frame loop
In ancient Mesopotamian mythology, Pazuzu is the demon of the southwest wind. He is believed to bring about drought and famine. In this video, an image of Pazuzu is animated using wiggle stereoscopy, a technique in which an illusion of depth is created by rapidly alternating between two images. If one faces the ordinal direction of southwest, one can view Pazuzu’s horrific appearance.
Re-animating a Photograph of a Dust Storm
animated photograph
For two days in December 1977, an enormous dust storm engulfed the Southern San Joaquin Valley, causing severe and widespread destruction. A photograph of that dust storm, taken by then-Chevron Oil employee Sam Chase from an airplane, is animated digitally in a continuous loop.
“The Grapes of Wrath” end scene
video
An enactment of the final scene of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. The scene takes place outside of Bakersfield during the Great Depression/Dust Bowl. Rose of Sharon, who has just given birth to a stillborn child, saves the life of a starving man. In ancient Mesopotamia, the demon Lamashtu preyed on infants and unborn children. Pregnant women and new mothers would wear amulets with the likeness of the demon. Pazuzu, who in addition to being a malignant force, was also a warding demon who kept Lamashtu at bay.