GRASS aims to short-circuit the familiarity and saturation of horse imagery through immediacy, intimacy and presence. Founded on a premise to consider the field as a stage and the horses as actors, a responsive approach to filming emerged through prolonged observation of the horse's daily lives. But, with these actors there could be no directions, no notes or second takes, only reactions.

The presence of camera and crew comes and goes throughout the film as some horse-actors engage the camera, breaking the 4th wall with direct gaze or interaction, while others remain at a distance. A perspective that privileges the horse's subjectivity is set against one that views them in context.

GRASS was filmed over three consecutive days on a single field at Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington, KY, occupied by the same group of mares and foals. Scenery, point of view, time of day and activity varies, along with a spectrum of associated moods, atmospheres and tones.

A country road. A tree. Evening. Nothing happens. A lot happens. Horses graze. An intruder makes an appearance. A protagonist emerges - a star.

Cast:
Fastbridled and her foal by Union Rags
Coffee Clique and her foal by Uncle Mo
AP Cindy and her foal by More Than Ready
Balance and her foal by Uncle Mo
Devine Actress and her foal by Dansili
Hot Summer and her foal by Empire Maker
Mana Pools and her foal by Point of Entry
Scarlet Love and her foal by Flatter
Sumting Wong and her foal by Vancouver
Sweet Assay and her foal by Point of Entry
Willathewest and her foal by Fed Biz

DP: Jay Young
AC: Sally Kim
Camera, Director, Editor: Alix Pearlstein
Post Production, Color Correct and Conform: Paul Shin
Audio Mix: Paul Geluso

Produced as a new project commission by The University of Kentucky Art Museum, Lexington KY, Stuart Horodner Director. In cooperation and with much thanks to Price Bell Jr. and Headley Bell, Mill Ridge Farm, Lexington, KY. With additional thanks to Alan Rideout and support from the UK School of Art & Visual Studies.

Installation View: University of Kentucky Art Museum, Lexington KY

finearts.uky.edu/art-museum/exhibitions/alix-pearlstein-grass