Luis Gispert, Block Watching, 2002

Block Watching (2003) presents a cheerleader lip-syncing and dancing to the screeching cadence of a car alarm. Accessorized in gold chains, armbands, bangles, and hoop earrings, the cheerleader mimics car alarm sounds through a combination of mouth and body movements that change according to the rhythm and staccato of the electronic beats. Set against a green screen, Block Watching’s protagonist repurposes everyday sounds and objects to conjure joy from the absurd.

LUIS GISPERT. Block Watching, 2002. Color video, with sound, 2 min., 1 sec. Collection Pérez Art Museum Miami, gift of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz, Key Biscayne, Florida. © Luis Gispert. Courtesy of Fred Snitzer Gallery