"Passing Through" by Sally Waterman is a video that traces the artists journey on a bus through West End London. However, Sally then superimposes this with footage shot out of a train window leaving Waterloo station. By doing this Sally creates a fluid, fast paced, chaotic visual that is seen to represent the multiple perspectives of city life. Sally juxtaposes the chaotic environment of central London to the rural, somewhat peaceful environment that is viewed once you escape from the city centre.
"The incessant movement of the abstract shapes and colours of the rapidly fleeting traffic and pedestrian activity, ends with the unexpected appearance of distorted, passing trees from the over layered train journey that seem somewhat out of place, yet competes for attention against the dominating street scape, creating a kind of dichotomy between these urban and rural environments, revealing the artist’s inner longing for escapism from her ritualistic city commute."
The portrayal of a dichotomy between urban and rural environments interested me as it is what I observe and often feel whilst living in Brighton. The general perspective of Brighton focuses around the busy tourist town full of flashing lights, the pier, unlimited shopping and being a party capital full of youth and exuberance. However, from the first hand experience of living in Brighton I have learnt that it is actually rather rural. Just fifteen minutes from the sea front is our University campus which is extremely green and surrounded by the vast Sussex downs. Similar to Waterman's work, I feel that this juxtaposition could make for a very interesting and visual account of the differing environments that surround Brighton that often go unrecognised by many.
Passing Through, 2005 (Clip) from Sally Waterman on Vimeo.
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