2-Channel 4K UHD video, stereo audio, 25 minutes, randomised play, 250 unique giveaway cards, 2023
The newly commissioned site-specific work, Serving Suggestions, is a video and sound installation encountered as a pitstop, a refreshment zone. Staff in scrubs and lab coats—trailing lanyards, ID badges, smartwatches and stethoscopes behind them—perform a series of words that offer prompts and possibilities, guiding the viewer towards a range of apparitions.
These words conjure worlds. With contributions from over 40 hospital and research staff, each chosen word becomes a portal, expressing open-ended thoughts and ideas—daily encounters that can be carried and contemplated as people travel back to wards, multiple and diverse departments, research labs, and operating theatres.
Combined with a soundscape fizzing with airy, atmospheric environments, Serving Suggestions creates a sensory interlude in the regular flow of our day, a decompression zone that can stimulate each of us in different ways
Exhibitions
This project was commissioned by Linden New Art and Alfred Health for exhibition at the Alfred Innovation & Education Hub (2023-24).
Acknowledgements
The artists are grateful for the participation of staff from the Alfred Health and A+ Research Alliance precinct: Adam, Alex, Alexandra, Alice, Ammy, Angelo, Anna, Annie, Belinda, Bella, Beth, Carlos, Connie, Daniel, Elle, Gavin, Gayatri, Hiranmayi, James, Jaspreet, Joe, Kaye, Kim, Lisa, Liz, Lorena, Lou, Lucia, Mel N, Mel P, Nim, Paul, Sally H, Sally P, Sam, Steven, Thy, Tilly, Tracey, Violeta, Vivienne, Winston and Yvette.
Our thanks to Vincent Alessi and the team at Linden New Art, the School of Art at RMIT University, and Sally Martin, Paul Elliot and the team at Alfred Health.
Photo credits
Sonia Leber & David Chesworth