Launch Farm, a marketing and public-relations firm in Columbus, Ohio, is using some of the windows into their offices to showcase video art by young artists.
The first installation, entitled “Le Voyeur,” was created by Istanbul-born artist Ilke Akcasoy in partnership with Launch Farm.The video stylistically details acts of voyeurism and privacy intrusions as it plays outdoors, after dark on Launch Farm’s iconic windows on their loft-like studio at 772 North High Street. The installation will run through mid April.
On any given day, hundreds of shoppers, diners, cyclists and motorists whiz by the site, with necks craned to see what’s going on in the studio upstairs. Le Voyeur flips the script, as the window looking in becomes the window looking out. Now – who is watching whom?
Akcasoy was inspired by the interplay of spectacle and spectator: “I thought it would be interesting to explore the notion of stalking while also pointing out how normalized it has become in our society today.” The stalking element of Le Voyeur surprises many viewers, as giant, high-definition eyeballs appear to follow them as they walk down the street.
Launch Farm recognizes the community value of local art and plans to promote additional public installations throughout the year.
“The more young filmmakers and product designers I meet, the more I want to harness and expose their talents to the world,” said Christian Deuber, Principal at Launch Farm. “With digital video just a smartphone click away, I hope that our actions will inspire others to transform their lifeless, dark windows at night into some sort of artistic expression beyond sales promotions.”
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