Video clip from Rexotrek two roomed mixed media installation (2008)
Rexotrek aims to encourage the user to see the world from a dog’s perspective. The project is informed by an interest in the relationship between dog and man and how we still do not know a great deal about how dogs perceive the world, even though our lives have been intertwined for centuries. In some scientific fields it remains somewhat taboo to state that animals can experience emotion. In contrast to this, pet owners tend to insist on the fact that their dog, cat or gerbil has the capacity to feel happy, sad or lonely. With the material the artist collected dealing with her own dog Rex, she proposes a subjective expression through the medium of installation, video and audio.
Devices such as GPS, mini CCTV camera, mini-disk recorder with a VOiP headset were used to attempt to record the happiness of the dog. While exploring the notion of dog as artist.
The user is required to get down on their hands and knees to experience this piece, listening to Rex’s breathing, rhythm and the sounds of his environment. The artist believes it is a good way to get a genuine and adequate insight into a dog’s emotional state.
Website: www.rexotrek.com
Blog: www.rexotrek.tumblr.com
© Emma Wade