Toll Gate

Tollgate was site-specific installation inside a disused passport and goods controlling station. Situated on the boarders of France, Germany and Switzerland, this small room was once an official commanding post, monitoring goods being imported and exported over the borders.
During our stay in Switzerland, we found it very difficult to be the anonymous artists in town, trying to approach galleries for exhibitions. So we realised that we had to organise our own events.
This small room was available to lease at a very affordable price by two artists, who previously leased it out for parties.
We thought it would be an interesting space to create a mysterious installation, reflecting upon its past use. From our own experiences, we have found that being in such spaces, whether it be for passport checking or visa extension / application, one does not really know what ones rights are. It is a bit of a grey area, coming into new territory, not familiar to new customs. There is always a level of mystery combined with an authoritarian power.
The resultant installation resembled a space for meditation, or perhaps some kind of cult like activity. The central focal area contained a column from ceiling to floor, however it was not clear where the column ended, as the raised floor enveloped it. Red lighting was placed in the depth of the actual floor highlighting the structure at night, penetrating a seedy yet ominous power.
It was interesting working in this place. Locals were puzzled as to what this small room was being transformed into. With a language barrier, we found that it was impossible to inform most people what it was we were actually making. Perhaps this was to our advantage.