Michael Fortune
We Invented Halloween

October 8th – October 11th, 2009
thisisnotashop

We Invented Halloween is the title of a three channel installation recorded on Halloween night, 2005, 2006 and 2007 in the artists family home in rural Wexford, Ireland.
Each year a central activity of the night involves the artists mother dressing up in an improvised manner with anything that will disguise her identity, and calling into his granny’s house, which is next door. Prior to calling to the house we see his mother getting dressed, with the aid of his sisters, who dress and undress her with layers of coats, socks, tights and plastic masks.

The work, which involves long, hand held takes, follows her along the road and into the grannies house. In each recording his granny ignores the camera and welcomes his mother, though she is unaware of her identity thinking instead it is one of her great grand children. Each of the three films finishes when his mother leaves the house delighted she has fooled his granny once again. By revisiting this annual practice the viewer is offered an insight into the immediate environment of family life, human relationships and contemporary ritual.

More info HERE.