Video | Mike Hansen Artist

Video

single and multi-channel video works

Plenum (Single Channel Video)
2015 7min 10sec

Plenum examines the group dynamic in conversation through a single channel video, displayed similar to a framed object.
Plenum disseminates the drum solo into its individual voices and then pieced it together into a unique conversation through each components sound. The image of the work displays each drum in its circular body as well as the act of the conversation in a circular form. The conversation demonstrated in Plenum delivers the idea of the conversation from a group perspective through its flows and flaws. I see the drum solo like that of a quorum of sorts where there is acceptable number of components in attendance to allow the conversation to have validity. Using the tradition of the jazz sized drum kit, for me not to much or not to little to create a comprehensible message allows for a conversation that is succinct with enough conflict to build recognizable meaning. Plenum demonstrates the conversation of the group creating a whole without vocal utterance. Presented as a wall hung framed artwork giving the sound/noise a visual aspect.

Flotsam (Single Channel Video)
2012 3min 39 sec animated video

Flotsam is an animated video thriller, inspired by Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1966 “Blow Up”, realized through a process of extreme pixelation. The work originated as a live action video that has been re-animated into a mass of coloured dots. Seemingly abstract, the dots articulate landscape and become visual action cues on a screen of moving coloured pixels. The narrative is conveyed through the viewers’ eyes as they wander through a rocky cove in rural Newfoundland and stumble upon the unexpected.

Killing Me Softly with Birdsong (Single Channel Video)
2013 6mins 20sec
(The Noise Project #9 The Free for All)

By my home is a large tree where deep in its foliage large habitats of birds reside. Every morning just before the sun rises these songbirds begin to sing. It starts slow and singular. The sounds start to increase as the conversations progress. Is it just conversation and how much of the community is involved? As the sun starts to crest the horizon, the song moves to cacophony. I drift in and out of consciousness as light starts to pierce my blinds the open window challenges my sleep. The songs change from a choir to chaos. A good chaos, nature’s calamity. Then the alarm goes off the birds seem to stop and my day begins.

Rock'N' Bolly 3D (Multi-Channel Video)
2011 2min 49sec

I was commissioned by The Mosaic Festival to create a 3D video examining cultural appropriation, I decided to research the introduction of western rock and roll music into India, using the 1962 Bollywood movie "The Professor" and combining it with the trailor for American Graffiti, set in 1962. It is produced in a fake 3D, three projectors projecting on to three layers of screens. various aspects of the video are cut to move from back to the front screen and then from the front to the back creating a 3D effect without 3D glasses.

Rosebud (Single Channel Video)
2006 8min 50sec looped

Rosebud examines climate change through the disappearance of the vinyl record (in 2006).
Vinyl has all but become a remnant of the past, a specialty item. Snow also has become a special event when it happens. The next generation will never know the feel and texture of a record, especially the physicality of delicately placing the needle on a record and initial pop as the power of vinyl and diamond meet. Missed will be the feel of fresh snow, the exhilaration of plummeting down a hill on a wooden toboggan with the spray of snow covering your face and body. The wonderful sound of cold crunch under your boot covered foot.

“Rosebud” invites us to remember, bringing back memories of our past. The escape garnered through the playing of your favourite record with all its perceived flaws. The wonder of a fresh snowfall with its awesome beauty as it fully reshapes our vision of the landscape. “Rosebud” asks, long gone our are days of wine and roses.

I Punched Out Bruce Mau (Single Channel Video)
2006 1min 1sec

Yes, it really did happen. We had studios next to one and another. Yes, he did throw his body through the wall which separated our homes. I Punched Out Bruce Mau, is a comedic take on a tragic moment. When we pass each other on the street we are cordial, a quick hi and a smile, and keep walking. The interesting thing about this life event is that he tells the same story.