Architecture

Zenith
Installation Competition: Forbidden Fruit Festival, with Ciana March
Dublin
2017

Procession // Threshold // Arrival

The entrance to Forbidden Fruit’s festival grounds stands out to us as a strong processionary route, envoking a pilgrimage to the main destination. The festival entrance will act as a threshold interrupting the formal routes that bifurcate the site.

Our concept pulls from this condition and strives to enhance the transition from approach to arrival.

Temptation // Self Reflection // Climax

In order to enhance this transition, our installation works with the theme of ‘forbidden fruit’, and plays with ideas of temptation and self-reflection within the proverbial Garden of Eden. A seductive forrest of red PVC strips hang to knee level from above, creating a space through which festival goers transition. The red symbolises, as Louise Bourgeois puts it, “the feeling of rage, jealousy, intensity, and sexuality”. In the daylight the strips appear opaque. Smoke machines fill the void at ground. A clearing in the centre unveils an overhead mirrored ball symbolising the ‘forbidden fruit’ and giving the individual an opportunity to self-reflect before progressing through to the main festival arena. The installation teases and momentarily distracts before the excitement of the festival grounds are unveiled.

Departure // Self Reflection // Cleansing

At night the installation takes on a different life. The PVC strips become illuminated and are almost transparent, symbolising a new clarity on life and joy. The individual catches their reflection above once more and exits the festival fulfilled.