In a direct response to the media and society’s perception of the stereotype of a criminal, Unusual Suspects depicts a lineup room with three suspects (with the same face) standing in it. It is an interactive video installation that places its audience in the room as the witness to a crime. This is an individual experience. When individuals step into a darkened room, they see a projection on a wall, which is supposed to resemble the two-way mirrored glass of the lineup room (with the suspects behind it). There are three spots marked on the floor that urge the audience to step on them; each spot is aligned with one of the suspects. When the audience stands on one of the spots, the corresponding suspect comes forward and his information appears next to him. The audience can try all three spots–they see three men with different races and ages (according to the information displayed). Still, they look like the same person.
As a teacher assistant I invited my students to the installation and provided a critique space for them to talk freely.
