Pierre Huyghe

born 1962
The Housing Projects (Les Grands Ensambles)
2001

Single screen video installation and lightbox, colour, track; loop, 7 min 51 sec
Presented by the Patrons of New Art through the Tate Gallery Foundation 2003 T07986

Pierre Huyghe is widely known for producing film and video installations that explore the nature of cinema. The Housing Projects opens on a shot of two tower blocks which are typical of the French housing projects that sprang up in the 1970s. In fact, the entire setting is a large-scale model designed by the artist. Gradually, artificial mist, rain and snow engulf the buildings and window lights begin to blink in the dark as though inhabitants of the buildings were communicating in Morse code. Changes in the mood and atmosphere are complemented by an electronic soundtrack by Pan Sonic and Cedric Pigot.