Click here to view installation images.
Images by Brendan Bourke and Ger O'Sullivan.

RACER RECAPTURED is an installation comprising of the video and sound work entitled RACER which, when exhibited can take different forms, from monitors/projectors or shown within constrcuted spaces, such as a faked ramshackle recording studio, roughly constructed out of MDF sheets with images of recording equipment loosely drawn onto them using permanent markers.

RACER is made up of one shot that records the circular movements of the camera for 13 minutes 44 seconds. The camera’s movements trace the contours of an architectural structure situated in a landscape. The location for the shot was Donabate beach in North County Dublin, Ireland. The architectural structure was a Martello tower built by British Army Engineers at the beginning of the 19th Century to defend British territories from Napoleonic invasions. During the 20th Century the tower was also used as a domestic residence and is now derelict. It is a site of historical significance in Dublin and of personal significance to the artist. Initially recognizable, the building’s forms and location are absorbed by the movement of the camera and become part of the film, more than just a subject.

A mechanism based on the dynamics of a cordless drill was produced by the artist to create the desired camera motion and to specifically fit a semi-professional digital video camera. This mechanism is called the 'Autopod'. No special effects have been added in the postproduction process.

Click here for more information on the shooting of RACER with the 'Autopod'.

The sound work for Racer acts as a catalyst for the visual elements. It was produced before the film and made from the landscape surrounding the Martello tower. Phelan listened to the resulting sound work when shooting the video and used it to influence the speeds and rhythms of the camera movements.

Through the use of video and sound the artist attempts to 'Capture the inexplicability of the moment and the beauty inherent within that concept’.

RACER the video was funded by The Arts Council of Ireland.

The SS Michael & John venue was kindly provided by Temple Bar properties Ltd.

Garrett Phelan gratefully acknowledges the following for their time and patience in the production of RACER RECAPTURED.

Sarah Glennie, Martin Staines, Fionan Higgins, Brian McDonald, Materials Ireland, Brendan Bourke, Paki Smith, Jim Fleming, Conal Markey, Dermot McLaughlin, Aileen Corkery, Rob Furey, Lisa Hallinan, Celine Smyth, Gavin O'Curry, Alexa Coyne, Yinka, Stephen Hendron, Eamon de Buitlear, Mark Nolan, Gavin Sorohan, Ger O'Sullivan.