Volley

In her slow-motion video Volley Monica Cook presents a scenario which, at first glance, is repulsive. The somewhat grotesque tale, with two monkeylike creatures as its protagonists, tells of the cycle of life, love and death. In a neon-coloured, cavelike scenery a creature appears which, with its hirsute body, resembles an ape. The seduction motifs which follow lead to sexual activities and finally to the partner’s pregnancy. Images of a wolflike creature in a cruel dream-world appear as a contrast to these scenes of harmony. The belly of the pregnant creature grows and she finally gives birth. Violin music suggests intimacy and joy and involves the viewer in the scene. In the very instant that the male creature overcomes his threatening fantasies, happiness seems to be perfect and the traditional family picture is fulfilled. Before the scene ends, the camera shows a close-up of him and his beating heart. The imbalance between beauty and decay, love and rejection gives rise to a disturbing conflict of emotions in the viewer. (Sarah Voss)