This duo Teresa Hubbard and
Alexander Birchler’s Eight series creates strong emotions viewing a little girl
alone, cutting what appears to be her own birthday cake in the rain. Although originally
a video installation, the film stills are just as powerful. Using cinematic
lighting, hitting the front and side of the girl’s face, creates the heighten drama.
Also, the set up of a party but no people adds to the sense of loneliness this
girl must be feeling. Film still number six, a close up of the girl’s face as
she stares into the distance further shows a sense of distraught. The order of
the film stills are interesting in that the first two images, as well as the
last four images are in the rain while the middle four images are inside before
she heads out into the rain. Some of the images include only the set up of the
party such as the tables while the rest include the girl. Desperately, the girl
is trying to salvage her party by cutting her soggy cake to enjoy what is left
from the destruction of the rain. Further, this girl seems to be trying to
salvage more than just her party but her childhood, in fear of the future. More
so, the number eight is significant in that the number eight shape goes on
forever in a continuous loop. There is also a play of inside and outside with
the party set up of the scene on a sound stage, which contributes to this
confusing time in the girl’s life.
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