Last month Eye Dream TV took part in LA is Trying to Kill Me – a diverse urban art group show, curated by Bloody Gums Collective at the independent, artist run Superchief Gallery in LA. As part of this three- day show (4/20/18 -4/23/18) we opened Dela Deso’s Digital Death Film Fest with an immersive multimedia performance and live painting of a large plasma screen TV.
This is where I encountered Andrew H. Shirley’s, Wastedland2 for the first time. My hands were still covered in luminous green paint as I joined a crowd of people, sitting quietly on the ground, in darkness, watching this surreal film with complete concentration and childlike awe. I wasn’t sure what I walked into, but it sucked me in.
Amoeba and Wolftits encounter the UFO spaceship in a field somewhere
Two graffiti artists – a philosophical wolf (Wolftits) and a curious amoeba (Avoid) are wondering around derelict, post apocalyptic landscapes in search of walls to paint and answers to their questions: “Who am I, if I am not myself” and “What’s the point?” In this anarchic landscape, they come across alien sculptures, ruins and characters like cranky cat (Smells) who joins them on this modern day Wizard of Oz - type of quest to find UFO 907 - the artist behind the mysterious tags they have all been following. In this alcohol and weed infused wasteland, they hope UFO will provide answers to their philosophical dilemmas.
Wastedland 2 is a cross between an existential punk art film and a children’s animal adventure book dealing with adult issues and questions. The experience of the story and the journey to discovering it play a significant part in Wastedland2 as you can’t just pull it up on Vimeo or YouTube. To watch it on your own time, you must first obtain a link and a password and that will only grant you access to the film for about a week. This brief and transient encounter with the film makes you feel like you have sought it out yourself...or have you?
Three new friends (Amoeba, Cranky Cat, and Wolftits) on the hunt for a train to paint.
I had the pleasure of talking with the director himself who is currently working on his first novel. “I really appreciate the collective energy of sharing artwork and I am interested in creating environments where people can experience what they see on screen,” says Detroit native Andrew H. Shirley, who is known for creating unique immersive installations and in 2017 took his self produced film, Wastedland 2 on a tour in a 15’ truck landing in over 50 spaces across the U.S.A. – collaborating on site specific events with vandals, performers and artists at each stop and sharing the immersive install with thousands of individuals. The film itself was shot in abandoned buildings and train yards up and down the east coast from outside Providence, R.I, to Black Mountain, N.C. and there is a real guerilla aspect to it as no permission was asked to shoot or make public art anywhere. “All the characters in the film are graffiti artists. All the characters in the film play themselves. Even UFO plays himself. There is an immersive quality I extend beyond the dimension of the sculptures. I use actual people to play themselves, to bring the revelation of self and genuine stories into the work. They are all friends of mine, people I love…” Shirley explains.
Wastedland 2 is a welcoming and extremely authentic representation of a subculture told through a spray painted landscape of magical realism. This allegorical story is for anyone interested in having their critical thought evoked while feeling like they are in a safe community of like- minded creatures. Original script, exceptional storytelling, a DIY quality of the film as well as heartfelt performances, raw aesthetic and the choice of spaces and shots make this film something you want to own and show to all of your friends.
You can take a look at the trailer below or catch the next screenings at:
5/12 MISSION WOLF - Wolf Sanctuary awareness show
5/13 KCMO "Pungk" secret screening series w/ The Cannonball Roarers / illicit show at abandoned location
5/16 "Collect Call" at KO Studio Gallery in Detroit
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