DREAMSTATE
Little Synagogue Gallery
Eger, Hungary (2011)

Little Synagogue Gallery, Eger

This project originally was intended for two installations: at the Hungarian Preparatory Academy for Judges, in Budapest (Fall 2011) which was abruptly cancelled by the authorities, and within the group exhibition, Common Thinking – Not Commonplace, in the Little Synagogue Gallery, Eger (24 October – 7 November 2011).

In this project, Peck partnered with the former Chief Justice of the Hungarian Supreme Court (1990-­‐2002), the Honorable Dr. Pál Solt.

DREAMSTATE explores the events around 1989-­‐90, when the separation of Law and Justice from the previous totalitarian government took place. This was one of the most important historical events in Hungarian history, as the newly established independent Constitution (the law) would be the cornerstone of this newly formed democracy.

Aside from the positive lessons to learn from this historically significant moment, the project takes on a particular timeliness following recent world events, such as the Arab Spring, and many newly forming governments searching for a model, in transition to obtain democracy with the separation of the branch of Justice from government, a politically independent Constitution, and thus, the constitutional freedoms of a democratic state.

The voice of the former Chief Justice is a respected one, and at the same time, a voice that is removed from the current debates in Hungary, and which has a vital perspective.

As an artist, Peck felt challenged (as well as having a sense of responsibility) to take on this subject matter and transform it into a vibrant visual (and all-­‐encompassing) experience. In another recent project, he partnered with an environmental scientist, Ramona Lall, Ph.D., to render air pollution visual (see Atmospheric Readings, 2009, Columbia University, NY, Atmospheric Readings II, a work in progress). This partnership affirmed that subject matter that might seem to be dry and statistical could be transformed into a dynamic and exciting eye-­‐opener for a variety of audiences. Rendering the subject of the law and historical change as visually compelling was a similar challenge.

In engaging with history, democratic process and the law, the subject matter is metamorphosed into a powerful visual event, which is then extended even further through its interactive aspect. While this project refers directly to the Hungarian experience and history, it is meant to function as a universal platform for the times we are living in.

The visual task of the artist is to place the subject matter (in this case, the law, and the history of political change) into a spatial configuration that will powerfully draw the viewer in. Peck comes from a background in painting, which continues to be a driving force in his work, even as he uses video and the digital world as his “palette”. The subject matter engaged is very much about our environment, our socio-­‐political landscape, sustainability and beauty. All conceived and presented with light, color and the moving image, creating a powerful, visually and conceptually engaging experience.