Destroyer of Dreams, Or, Container of All Future Meaning

Destroyer of Dreams, Or, Container of All Future Meaning is a solo exhibition of digital works by Darren Douglas Floyd. Floyd is a visiting Assistant Professor of Art.

The works in Destroyer of Dreams, Or, Container of All Future Meaning are presented as a collection of related moments within a fragmented narrative. The title piece has been edited from 16mm film the artist has amassed over the past few years. Without processing or watching previous footage, Floyd continued to document his performances, building his narrative chronologically. The final work, 16mm color film transferred to video, with digital video and sound, tracks Floyd’s move from New York to Louisiana, and ultimately to North Carolina. Throughout the work he candidly examines, or more aptly, scrutinizes his life, including various jobs, living situations, and predominantly, his relationships—with lovers, with his parents, and perhaps most significant to this body of work, with his own imaginary offspring. Destroyer of Dreams is articulated as a filmed letter intended for the artist’s future child, thus, the viewer is at once positioned as both the child as well as a voyeur; we are acutely aware that the letter is not addressed to us. The body of work presented is unique, challenging, beautiful, comical, depressing, and relatable—to anyone who has loved, hated, failed, and succeeded.

View the exhibition catalog below: