The experience of encountering a language you do not understand, with its opacities, surface poetics, and implications of meanings, is central to this program. NEW LANGUAGE ACQUISITION begins by exploring possibilities for linguistic, nonverbal and spatial communication. Conversely, techniques of deconstruction serve as a means to decode or untether the semiological. What can an image and sound sign? What is deemed legible or illegible? In the words of writer and artist Mel Baggs: "I find it very interesting ... that failure to learn your language is seen as a deficit, but failure to learn my language is so natural that people like me are officially described as 'mysterious' and ''puzzling', rather than anyone admitting that it is themselves who are confused."
Rei Hayama with LEVE SIMULATION OF IMPOSSIBLE (2017-2018), 2 min, sound piece
Oliver Laric, UNTITLED (2014-2015), 6 min, digital
Keewatin Dewdney, THE MALTESE CROSS MOVEMENT (1967), 8 min, 16mm
Sara Magenheimer, SLOW ZOOM LONG PAUSE (2015), 13 min, digital
Paul Glabicki, OBJECT CONVERSATION (1985), 10 min, 16mm
Wojciech Bakowski, DRY STANDPIPE (2012), 12 min, digital
Barbara Hammer, SYNC TOUCH (1981), 12min, 16mm
Flaherty NYC programmed by Mary Helena Clark and Alexander Stewart
Director Sara Magenheimer in person for a discussion moderated by S.S. Sandhu