Republic, an installation at Locust Projects by Tom Scicluna. Opening Saturday July 13th 2002.

Utilizing video, installation and sculpture, Tom Scicluna references/presents dilemma-like situations. From specific issues of production and hierarchy, to more personal and melancholic expressions, Scicluna deals with the uncertain nature of things and their surrounding conditions. For example, as part of his final MFA thesis project, Scicluna installed a light bulb and socket under a propped 4’x4’x4’ crate in a rented storage space. Kept under lock and key, the trap like arrangement was only accessible to his graduate committee. Upon visiting the installation, the committee was faced with the impossible task of illuminating the light bulb. Titled Cave, the installation presented the academic committee with a mental stalemate.

In Republic, Scicluna presents the viewer with an inaccessible space. Touching upon opposing notions of personal autonomy and collective will, Republic characterizes the ambiguous and sometimes unfair nature of public/private spaces.

Locust projects is supported in part by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade-County Mayor, The Board of County Commissioners