Troglodyte
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Desiree Holman’s “Troglodyte” is a short experimental art video. In a comic and ridiculous gesture, the video attempts to investigate human emotion and behavior by having its’ actors pretend to be chimpanzee. The term ‘troglodyte’ describes a simpleton or brute who may live in a hole in the ground or in a cave. A troglodyte is emotionally reactive and potentially dangerous; s/he is without acute powers of reasoning. Pan troglodyte is also the scientific name of the chimpanzee. Holman first constructed eight life-size, hollow, latex, hair and fabric, ‘chimpanzee’ sculptures. To create the video, Holman worked with a group of dancer/actors who wore the chimp-like sculptures. Edited to rock band Electrelane’s epic song “Gone Darker”, the piece is akin to a music video. The video plays with ideas of violence, sex, animism, nurturance and the primal horde. Weather in the spotlight of academic investigations or popular culture, the chimpanzee has often been the focus for human projection. It is here that the biological foundations of our behavior lie. Their societies, emotional lives, anatomy and brains mirror our own. Holman cites her influences in neuroscience, evolutionary theory, behavioral sciences, animism and popular culture. To see more of Desiree Holman’s work, please visit www.desireeholman.com.
Microcinema Interview/Article:
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