Airs Above the Ground

Janet Biggs, 2007
Single channel HD video with sound
Running time 5:21

Airs Above the Ground examines the performance of youth, equating age with pageantry and masquerade. Biggs suggests that youth is bound by social constraints that set some on a search for impossible perfection or transcendence.

An ethereal image of an inverted, weightless, synchronized swimmer suspended in slow motion reveals the strenuous effort and dedication behind the appearance of youthful ease. The hyper-stylized gestures and affected costume of the athlete belies the power, agility, and strength required to make every action graceful.