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Frédéric St-Hilaire & Jonathan Parant

Going Nowhere

Frederic St-Hilaire Going Nowhere

The project is based on slow-motion camera recordings of train journeys in South-East Asia, the Labrador Peninsula, and the USA. Each panel shows either different perspectives from the same place or from different locations, creating a visual dialogue that unfolds across three screens. Slow-motion not only extends the duration of each shot but also captures details and movements that might go unnoticed at regular speed. The technique, coupled with the multi-screen format – a tryptic – imparts a dreamlike quality to the footage, enhancing the film’s visual and emotional impact. The term "moving photography" aptly describes this effect, as the slow-motion frames transform the moving scenes into a series of visually rich and contemplative stills.

The train introduces an element of constant motion, creating a dynamic backdrop for an otherwise non-linear narrative. Changing landscapes, locations, cultures, and the rhythmic movement of the train become integral to the story. The sound for the installation was composed by Jonathan Parant and features intentionally slowed down electric guitar tunes. This deliberate manipulation of sound, juxtaposed with recordings of train noises, aligns the auditory elements with the slow-motion visuals. Sound adds a distinctive, immersive layer to the installation, enhancing viewers’ sensory experience. The video installation offers a contemplative exploration of the world we live in. Going Nowhere invites viewers to embark on an exploration of movement and time as part of their own inner odyssey.

Frederic St-Hilaire Going Nowhere