[Sept 21 - Oct 27] Entropy - Three-Channel Video Installation by Anna Pasztor

“Entropy” is a three-channel video installation. The content of the video sequences shown on the screens demonstrates everyday life of physical labor. The emphasis is on their physical contributions to society, a society where the distribution of wealth is becoming less equal every passing year. The speed of each screen is manipulated. The slow-motion and the vertiginous speed of the projected videos create an oneiric atmosphere.

DURATION: Weekends on Saturday, Sunday and Holiday Mondays from September 21 to Sunday, October 27th 2019

Time: 11 am – 5 pm
LOCATION: Building 10a, Nolan Park, Governors island

Funding has been made possible by the Puffin Foundation

In 1909 Marinetti exalted the idea of “mechanical speed” in his Futurist Manifesto that proclaimed a rupture with the past and the identification of man with the machine, velocity and the dynamism of the new century. Twenty years later, in his description of the city of tomorrow, Le Corbusier wrote, “A city made for speed is made for success.”

Almost a century passed, and I wonder, “Where did the fascination with speed lead us?”

“Entropy”is a three-channel video installation. The accompanying music is an excerpt of “The Quadrophonic Cello” of Lea Bertucci.

We are witnessing the derailing of utopist ideas regarding technological advancement. Statistical data show that the number of effective working hours has grown in recent years. In addition, surveillance was implemented and became widespread in many workplaces. However, instead of ensuring workplace security, technology is used to create pressure on the workforce. There is also printed material of statistical data and other information related to the topic.

Though all of us are seduced – at different – by the latest advances of technology, it is very important to not lose focus of the larger picture. We are told the solution for today’s problem is education, the widespread understanding, and mastering technology. Without doubting the importance of education, researches argue it is not the solution.

I am challenged every day by the visible poverty of working people. A situation that is the result of the widespread embrace of free-market economics in recent decades.

The installation is accompanied by printed material of statistical data and other information related to the topic.

Artist Bio

Anna Pasztor was born and raised in Budapest. She holds an MA in Italian and Portuguese Languages and Literatures from the University of Budapest, and several certifications related to Dance and Movement. While studying at the University of Budapest she also worked with prominent personalities of the Independent Theater and Dance Movement that were flourishing in the city at the time.

In 1991 she relocated to Lisbon, where she developed a successful career as a choreographer/director. Her theater and dance productions were presented at prestigious venues and numerous festivals. In addition, she founded the “Accent”, a nonprofit organization to foster dance activities with non-dancers.

She lives in New York City since 2003, where she earned a certification of Laban Movement Analysis from the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies. In New York, her interest moved towards the visual arts, more specifically towards multimedia, video and film production.

In her recent works, she combines performative practice with technologies in the realm of video and new media. “Golden Age”, her public transmedia project was presented at Astor Place in September of 2019.

She was the recipient of grants, awards, and scholarships from the Puffin Foundation, Harvestworks, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, New York Foundation of Arts, Outpost Artists’ Resources, Luso-American Foundation, Gulbenkian Foundation, Portuguese Cultural Ministry, Hungarian Ministry of Education, and Portuguese Cultural Institute among others. Her installations and videos were shown in several festivals and galleries in the US and in Europe.