This video begins much like a play, where we witness a theatre-like set as backdrop for observation of a series of actions that mimic reality but fall just left of normalcy. An alarm clock sounds, and a man dressed in robe and slippers begins his day with the soothing sounds of Mozart. He begins to go through his mail, and the camera observes the motion with an attention that questions the significance of such an everyday activity. Zooming in on the documents, we see the details of what appear to be postcards, bills and an exhibition brochure. In one envelope, the man finds a newspaper clipping with the headline "Der Mensch lebt durch den kopf", which he proceeds to pin on the wall. He hesitates about a suitable placement, and after much indecision picks a low…spot such that the page hangs onto the ground. Is Marroquin commenting about the priorities we designate for the messages we receive everyday, through the post or through the media? The man goes through the actions calmly and with ease; this sort of filtering is a natural part of everyday life. Then, in just as relaxed a manner, the man stretches and disrobes for a morning swim. But there is no pool and no water. Balancing himself upon a block cushion with the exhibition brochure's image propped before him, the man mimes a butterfly style swim through the air. The sounds of blowing through water are heard interspersed with rapid breaths for air, and the piece leaves us with this bizarre juxtaposition wading through our consciousness. The actions that most of us carry out daily without thought suddenly become surreal, an exercise in our own awareness. (Elaine W. Ho) Read more...