Examining Trauma and Memory: "Free Fall"

Avery Singer's "Free Fall" is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of personal and collective trauma, taking root in the artist's experience of the 9/11 attacks.  Hauser & Wirth London is transformed into an immersive environment, a poignant recreation of the World Trade Center juxtaposed with the emotional fallout of that fateful day.

Singer doesn't shy away from the horror. Shredded paper blanketing the floor evokes the debris of the collapsing towers, while a painting of a disembodied hand confronts viewers with the harsh reality of the event.  These stark elements are balanced with a portrayal of the mundane office life within the towers, creating a powerful tension between the grandeur of the architecture and the fragility of human existence.

The artist masterfully utilizes digital manipulation.  Avatars stand in for real people – survivors like the "Dust Lady" immortalized in a now-famous photograph, or a faceless "art student" symbolizing Singer's own struggle with addiction.  These "deepfakes" blur the lines between memory and fabricated imagery, prompting reflection on the role of media in shaping our understanding of tragedy.

The exhibition extends beyond visuals.  The recreated bookstore, stocked with pre-2001 titles, injects a touch of dark humor, highlighting the passage of time and the irrevocable shift in the world's consciousness.

"Free Fall" is not merely a historical retelling.  It's a deeply personal exploration of loss, resilience, and the enduring impact of witnessing unimaginable horror.  Singer invites viewers to confront their own experiences, forging a connection between the intimate and the universal.

The journey through the recreated towers is disorienting, mirroring the psychological freefall the artist describes.  This deliberate discomfort forces us to confront the complexities of memory and the enduring power of trauma.

While some may not find catharsis in Singer's work, it offers a powerful and unflinching exploration of a defining moment in recent history.  "Free Fall" is a testament to the enduring power of art to grapple with the darkest aspects of human experience.