Halloween J (bat frenzy)

16mm loop , 42 second cycle, 3 hours, 2005

I shot this footage specifically for this projection. It is made up entirely of 3/4" plastic confetti orange bats, shot one frame at a time with a bolex against a small light box. I move the bats quickly and erratically to create a visceral viewing experience. The film was hand processed as black and white negative, making the bats white against the darkness and therefore more striking in their contrast.

William, only at age four, was easy to lift and fly with the bats. He often identified with bats, batman, and the like at that age. This video inspired him the to want to be lifted in the 2006 loop.

Visible to over 100 children and adults after dark on Halloween night.

Film loop index