For the exhibition at Chisenhale — his largest solo exhibition to date —, Atkins has produced a new two-channel video work and surround-sound installation set against a backdrop of collaged panels. Us Dead Talk Love focuses on a dialogue between two cadavers that reflects upon immanence, representation and narcissism. Atkins describes the work as "a tragedy of love, intimacy, incoherence and eyelashes."
Projected onto two angled screens, the video installation suggests the configuration of an interviewer and interviewee, in relation to one another and a gathered audience. Shifting through various moods and representational modes, the two cadavers discuss half-remembered desires, intimacy and love. Animation, keying techniques, immersive sound design, and the interdependent cutting of image and sound are all explored in order to exploit their affective potential — both emotional and physical — on the audience.
Ed Atkins: Us Dead Talk Love
Chisenhale Gallery
64 Chisenhale Road, London
