Rosa Barba Color Rhymes, 2023
Steel, glass, motors, 35 mm film, aluminum
100 x 100 x 12 cm
Unique in a series of 7
Color Rhymes consists of a framed square glass box in which strips of celluloid in various colours are in constant movement. The ends of the film strips are fastened inside to the sides of the frame. Each section of celluloid is threaded into a metal spool, placed at the centre of the frame. As the spool turns, the celluloid wounds around the spool or get released and layer on top of each other. This process results in an ongoing play of lines. As the strips have different lengths, their movement also differs, as does the time it takes for them to be coiled to the point of straightening and forming horizontal lines.
The process of loosening and straightening strips of film creates abstract pattern. Held in the dark frame and installed on the wall, the constant play of lines evokes the impression of pattern being drawn, only to get pulled and straighten again. The artist has referred to these works as "cinematic paintings."