Peep Post-Project Statement
The opportunity to create my first public art installation was a departure from working with film and video but not foreign to the theme of human trafficking. I embraced the opportunity to create a temporal sculpture that would spread awareness on sex trafficking and forced labor. My goal was to create a poetic work of art with visual impact and a strong message that would engage the Southwest DC community in a dialogue. In retrospect, Peep epitomizes a personal journey of faith that continues to evolve.
At times I found it difficult to work outside my comfort zone within a new medium. Once I finally decided to go with my creative instincts and develop the initial vision of Peep, I was confronted with a challenge on exhibiting in a vacant lot with no electricity to illuminate the shipping container or the ability to incorporate a sound installation. My lack of familiarity with Southwest DC, its landscape or demographics provided me with no initial context for the cultural, social and economic backdrop of the city. The most problematic issue was a lack of existing relationships in DC and no organizational partners or individual volunteers who could help me with logistics, resources and fabrication. This concerned me greatly, so I was compelled to research the area and establish a core network within the community before arriving into town. With the initial help of Fung Collaboratives and Washington Projects for the Arts, I was able to establish some meaningful relationships with local DC artists and the Christian faith community in the Southwest DC neighborhood.
As we began to assemble the art piece, welding, grinding, drilling and installing inside the container amidst high temperatures and humidity, I gained an unanticipated perspective of the unbearable living conditions that victims experience when transported within similar shipping containers. Many victims do not even survive.
As I filmmaker, I understand the concept of problem solving, communication, collaboration and working within a small budget. My favorite aspects of working on Peep were the process, experimentation and collaboration. The other Nonument artists were equally committed and displayed strong integrity in their work that inspired me. We were part of a collective synergy to produce site-specific art that would form a connection with the Southwest DC community. I was fortunate to collaborate with such talented and giving artists.
The most gratifying part of Peep was engaging the community and discussing human trafficking in their neighborhood at Nonuments Park and continuing the conversation at the screening of my award-winning short film Hark. The film ended with an educational symposium comprised of advocates from International Justice Mission, Shared Hope International and local pastors who are fighting human trafficking globally and in downtown DC. They provided resources and initiated a call to action to help eradicate modern slavery.
As I reflect on my faith journey with Nonuments, I feel I not only achieved creating a rewarding public art installation, but I also transformed and matured spiritually and creatively as an artist.