CHACO CULTURE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
OCTOBER 2024 ARTIST RESIDENCY APPLICATION
Mark Reynolds, United States
em: smile@onthemarkphotography.net
cv: Artist Bio + Select Exhibitions
OCTOBER 2024 ARTIST RESIDENCY APPLICATION
Mark Reynolds, United States
em: smile@onthemarkphotography.net
cv: Artist Bio + Select Exhibitions
Overview
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a profound testament to the ingenuity and spiritual depth of the Ancestral Puebloans. The park’s ruins, petroglyphs, and landscapes tell the story of a civilization deeply attuned to the rhythms of nature and the cosmos. This residency aims to create a multi-sensory experience that captures and communicates the essence of Chaco’s history and its relevance to contemporary issues such as climate change, economics, science, and the nature of time. By weaving together photographs, projected images, ambient audio recordings, and spoken words, this project will invite reflection on humanity’s place in the universe and the unfathomable potential of our lives.
The Chaco residency presents a unique opportunity for me as an artist and storyteller to combine all the creative tools I've developed over two decades of honing my craft. The residency will significantly expand on my accomplishments and represent the most comprehensive project I've undertaken.
Project Proposal
The project will explore the rich tapestry of Chaco Culture through a combination of visual, auditory, and literary media. The goal is to create a scalable and immersive presentation that can be adapted for various formats, including gallery installations, public lectures, and digital platforms. This multi-faceted approach will enable a deeper understanding of Chaco’s significance and foster a connection between ancient wisdom and modern challenges.
Objectives
Document Chaco Culture: Through photography and ambient audio recordings, capture the essence of Chaco’s ruins, landscapes, and natural sounds.
Interpret Historical and Astronomical Significance: Use projected images and spoken words to illustrate the astronomical alignments and historical context of Chaco.
Connect to Contemporary Issues: Employ written text and curated narratives to draw parallels between Chaco’s lessons and current global challenges.
Create a Multi-Sensory Experience: Integrate all media forms into a cohesive presentation that engages and inspires diverse audiences.
This short video demonstrates the project's potential:
Media
Photographs: High-resolution photographs will document the architectural marvels, petroglyphs, and natural landscapes of Chaco. These images will serve as the visual backbone of the project, providing a tangible connection to the park’s physical and cultural heritage.
Projected Images: Using state-of-the-art projection technology, images will be displayed in a dynamic and immersive manner. This may include time-lapse sequences showing the interplay of light and shadow on Chaco’s structures, enhancing the audience’s understanding of the site’s astronomical alignments.
Ambient Audio: Audio recordings of Chaco’s natural environment, including wind, wildlife, and ambient sounds, will be captured to create an auditory backdrop for the presentation. This will help to transport the audience to the park, fostering a deeper emotional connection.
Spoken Words: Narration and spoken word performances will be interwoven with the visual and auditory elements, adding a human dimension to the presentation. These spoken segments may include stories from indigenous perspectives and philosophical musings on the nature of time and humanity’s place in the universe.
Written Text: Curated texts will provide reflections on the broader implications of Chaco’s legacy. These writings will bridge the gap between ancient and modern, offering insights into how Chaco’s wisdom can inform contemporary discussions on climate change, economics, and science.
Presentation
The final presentation will be a seamless integration of all media forms, designed to be adaptable to various venues and audiences. The primary format will be a gallery installation, featuring large-scale projections and ambient audio environments. Additionally, the project can be adapted for public lectures, where a live narrator will guide the audience through the experience, and for digital platforms, allowing for broader accessibility.
Scalability: The project is designed to be scalable, ensuring it can reach a wide range of audiences. From intimate gallery spaces to large public events, the presentation can be tailored to fit different contexts without losing its impact. Digital adaptations will include an interactive website and social media, extending the project’s reach beyond physical boundaries.
Impact
By illustrating Chaco’s history through a creative “stirring of the soul,” this project aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of humanity and the cosmos. It will encourage audiences to reflect on their place in the universe and consider how the lessons of the past can inform our approach to present and future challenges.
