In Defense of Fear

2009
Rubber boots, video and audio, dimensions variable

This work is based on my experiences during trips to Japan and the exploration of being in a state of fear. I visited Japan during the outbreak of the H1N1 virus. During this time, many precautions were taken when people entered the country including a quarantine for airplanes that involved staying on board until heath officials dressed in medical gowns and white boots went through to check the temperatures of everyone. In Defense of Fear, I am reflecting and re-contextualizing the experience and narrative in an attempt to share this feeling of fear and discomfort. During my time in Japan, officials also checked up on my health by calling me at one hotel and sending a thermometer and masks to another. The installation includes three pairs of white rubber boots, one pair projects video of airport thermal images and another pair includes sounds from Japanese airports.