Second Sight
Charlie Levin

The Content
There is always something behind the curtain, a story behind the scenes. "Second Sight" speaks to stories of migration and change—the struggles people undertake to change their circumstances. We never know what underlies the calm surfaces of the people around us. "Second Sight" encourages us to look beyond the obvious, to take an active part in exploring the worlds beyond, and to remember we can never know what someone has been through.

The Installation
When the painting is lit from the front, the viewer sees four simple seated figures. When backlit, another image is revealed. The painting can be installed in a number of different ways. In its original installation, a large cable extended from the painting to a switchbox. In this version, viewers have to take action to look beyond the surface by manually controlling the lighting. Lights on each panel can be turned on and off in any combination. If that level of user-interactivity is not practical in a future installation, the lighting can be set to fluctuate automatically or in various combinations as well.

The Performance/Sound Installation
A companion piece, titled "Second Place" is also available. "Second Place" is a multi-layered, eight-voice text, presented as a free-standing sound installation or as a live performance. A meditation on political, historical and personal migration, SecondPlace tells true stories of new Americans and refugees as they journey through the space between there and here. The script weaves together a variety of texts, facts, and stories relating the hero's journey from myth and fairy tales to the tales of people undergoing migration. This unique performance explores the parallels between all travels into the unknown ... and the dislocation, courage, and change involved in the journey. Audio samples and a copy of the script are available upon request. The original performance was presented by Performing Arts Chicago in 2004. Click here to read a review >