Runa Islam : Empty the pond to get the Fish

Empty the pond to get the fish (2008) is a new 32mm film installation by 2008 Turner Prize nominee Runa Islam. Like her previous works - two of which are also shown at MUMOK in Vienna, Be the first to see what you see as you see it (2004) and First day of spring (2005) - the new film explores the materiality of celluloid, the sense of anticipation and desire associated with the medium, and the way in which the camera eye creates meaning. Empty the pond to get the fish is shot in Vienna's Museum des 20. Jahrhunderts and explores both the architecture of the institution and the art works it displays. Using slow pans and a skilfully crafted soundtrack, Islam emphasizes the mechanical subjectivity of the camera's eye. Moving vertically and then horizontally, but always with extreme precision, Islam evokes a highly ordered gaze that is part human, part mechanical. English and German text