Water Windows ©2007-2008
A Public Video Installation

Running time: 13:30 minutes

It is early December, in the weeks just before the winter solstice. Darkness comes early, and shoppers are out at dusk on Grove Street, Peterborough, shopping for the holidays. Imagine their surprise to find the Peterborough Historical Society seemingly filled with water! Through Amy Jenkins’ art of video installation, the building comes alive with an underwater environment as dusk falls. And it is no ordinary underwater environment, but one with objects set loose under the current: a chair, a swing set, a dress. Appearing in slow motion magic and drifting out of view, the buoyancy of water sets our desires afloat.

A joyful discovery for the child, a contemplative experience for the adult—Water Windows inspires memory-based reflections. Investigating the personal relationships attached to everyday objects such as clothing, furniture and toys, the aqueous void becomes a repository for the emotional resonance that possessions carry in our psyche. This search for meaning in the material is especially pertinent in the holiday season.

Another counterpoint offered by the under-water world during chilly holiday shopping sprees is the reminder of New Hampshire summers, of warm water and Saturday afternoon swims. All of the underwater footage was filmed in local ponds and lakes, such as the crystal clear waters of Willard Pond in Hancock. The breath of summer warms the shopper’s feet and helps float their load (perhaps just a little bit lighter?) down to Main Street.

"Art, Water and Serendipity on Grove Street"
Click to read feature article on "Water Windows" by Jane Eklund
Monadnock Ledger Transcript
December 17, 2007