Shareen Lightfoot, 2024, is a commissioned installation by Shu Lea Cheang at Washington Square Windows coinciding with the 30th anniversary of her groundbreaking film, Fresh Kill, 1994.
This project is part of Legacies: Asian American Art Movements in New York City (1969-2001).
The experimental film Fresh Kill speculates a post-apocalyptic New York City in which main character lesbian protagonists navigate existential eco horror, consumer society, urban class drama, and technological dystopia. Described as an "eco cyber noia" and "avant-anarcho ecosatire", the film features a screenplay by Jessica Hagedorn and music by Vernon Reid.
The new street level installation Shareen Lightfoot spotlights an iconic neon sign from the film that alternates between the words "Kiss Kiss" and "Kill Kill" and a sprawling assemblage of televisions showing static noise. The image of film character Shareen Lightfoot (played by Sarita Choudhury) leaping over a techno junkyard wreckage looms in the background.
Organized by Howie Chen
Gini Yu Pei Lee, Curatorial Assistant. Produced by Jon Huron, 80WSE.
The exhibition’s presentation is made possible by Teiger Foundation.
Special thanks for the support of the Asian/Pacific/American Institute at NYU, CHENZO.STUDIO, and Fales Library and Special Collections.
Equipment provided in part by Lower East Side Ecology Center.
Resources:
Photo: Carter Seddon
Shareen Lightfoot from a scene in Fresh Kill, 1994. Courtesy Shu Lea Cheang.
