In a Room Full of Strangers
1 of 4
Object Label
Since 2010 Nina Katchadourian has staged impromptu artworks in airplane lavatories, using only the materials at her disposal to transform her appearance in the tradition of Renaissance portraiture. For this three-channel video, the artist repurposed her shirt and scarf as well as folded paper towels and toilet-seat covers to construct her attire. She then filmed herself lip-syncing the Bee Gees’ hit “Nights on Broadway” while periodically delivering a deadpan glance at the viewer or her other on-screen personas. Katchadourian operates in the strange space between humor and seriousness, freedom and constraint, animating the ways identity is performed—even in a bathroom stall.
Caption
Nina Katchadourian American, born 1968. In a Room Full of Strangers, 2013. Three-channel video (color, sound), bespoke wood frames; 4 min., 32 sec., Framed monitor, each: 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm) Installed Dimensions, from floor to top of frames: 68 × 57 × 4 in. (172.7 × 144.8 × 10.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, William K. Jacobs, Jr. Fund, 2014.83. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2015_Diverse_Works_04_2014.83_PS8.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Artist
Title
In a Room Full of Strangers
Portfolio
Date
2013
Medium
Three-channel video (color, sound), bespoke wood frames; 4 min., 32 sec.
Classification
Dimensions
Framed monitor, each: 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm) Installed Dimensions, from floor to top of frames: 68 × 57 × 4 in. (172.7 × 144.8 × 10.2 cm)
Credit Line
William K. Jacobs, Jr. Fund
Accession Number
2014.83
Rights
© artist or artist's estate
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Frequent Art Questions
Is this a series of works by the artist?
Yes, that artist, Nina Katchadourian, has used herself as a model in a whole series of works made on airplanes while she travels. She took a series of still photos of herself in an airplane bathroom, wearing hats and costumes made of paper towels. This video piece was also made in an airplane bathroom! She calls the series "Seat Assignment."
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