In 2002, Margaret Cogswell created a site-specific installation at Goliath Visual Space, titled Sitings/Sightings. This installation included subtle alterations of the space, as well as a video that projected “un-nameable sightings”, such as the appearance and disappearance of water. Both of these elements – the alteration of space and the video – confronted the viewer with the need of language to validate our realities, as well as our obsessive pursuit of immortality. Cogswell considers this installation an important transition piece which propelled her into creating several installations in the following years.

In the spring of 2003, Cogswell worked in Cleveland, Ohio as artist-in-residence at SPACES gallery, a part of the newly established World Artists Residency Program. During this residency she created Cuyahoga Fugues, an installation inspired by “fire, water and the imposing volcanic steel mills along the Cuyahoga River.” While continuing to use water as a metaphor for the pursuit of immortality, Cogswell’s focus shifts to society and its collective longing for a better life around rivers. This shift allows a relationship to build between the dream of immortality and the ideals of urban society. In the end, the viewer may recognize the “poignant disillusionment” that can evolve from such a relationship.

Inspired by Cuyahoga Fugues, Cogswell has continued to explore the interdependency of people, industry, and river waters. In 2004 Cogswell began a series titled River Fugues, which consists of individually unique site-specific installations in selected river cities around the United States. Each installation includes visual and audio components, as well as video of post-industrial landscapes, the rivers, and the people in surrounding communities.

The next installment of River Fugues will take place in November 2005 at Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center in Buffalo, New York, with potential satellites in other venues such as the Steel Plant and Local History Museum in Lackawanna, New York. This installation will include narratives from environmentalists, regional historians, industry workers, and children. She is also working on a Mississippi River Fugues project, to be realized in 2007. This takes Cogswell back to her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, to explore the relationship of the Mississippi River to the rise and decline of the cotton industry.

Projects are also being developed in North Carolina and Virginia where Cogswell will continue to explore the impact of changing industries on rivers and their surrounding communities. Ultimately, she hopes to create permanent projects commissioned by cities seeking to reclaim post-industrial sites for public use.

For more information, please visit the following sites:

www.re-title.com
www.hallwalls.org
www.spacesgallery.org
www.margaretcogswell.net/