Smile

SMILE hd video on loop, no audio, 4:54”

In the black-and-white film Smile, three faces look straight into the eyes of the viewer. Very slowly, the corners of their mouths turn up, creating a subtle smile. Then, a guffaw. The roar of laughter slowly transforms from a beastly expression to a silent, terrifying scream. The faces then relax and recover – or so it seems. For in that moment, the scene repeats itself. Roos van Geffen investigates her fascination for human expression by working with performers. She has created various face-choreographies.
“Just after my daughter’s birth, I was completely fascinated by her ever-changing face. Those minute nuances that constantly tell you something different, and sometimes speak to your subconscious.”

performers: anne van balen, thijs bloothoofd, nathalie smoor editing and camera: magda augusteijn