NO|ON 2015: Thomas Slattery’s “Appendage”

What is NO|ON? Short for “Narrative Object, Objective Narrative” it embodies the idea that every object contains its own narrative and every successful narrative strives for a unique
objective. For the annual NO|ON show, students write, visualize and execute a five-minute short story utilizing their object, an original character they create, and (in 2015) the color Blue. Required to incorporate elements of spoken word, visual projection/film, and props, these fully realized five-minute visual narratives were performed, presented and critiqued in studio with guest critic, artist, illustrator and animator, Penelope Gazin – penelopegazin.tumblr.com

Thomas Slattery

Title: “Appendage”

Object: Robot Spider

After losing control and accidentally murdering his opponent in the ring, boxer Rafael Torres is unable to deal with the guilt of his actions. He channels the blame into his hands, externalizing his feelings, and placing the guilt on the appendages for manifesting his rage. He unconsciously seeks to abandon his humanity and avoid his problems by overindulging in alcohol and seeking the company of prostitutes. He believes so deeply that his problems – the guilt and his uncontrolled violent reactions – are housed in his physical body that he begins to see the world in a less than human way as a means of escape.

NO|ON 2015: Thomas Slattery’s “Appendage” from MFA Visual Narrative at SVA on Vimeo.