Laurent Montaron's film Nature of the Self considers the changeable nature of representations of the self, both physical and psychological, the mechanics of seeing and the origins of memory and conscious thought. It is presented as a single-channel installation to be viewed through a two-way mirror.

French artist Laurent Montaron’s film, Nature of the Self, considers the changeable nature of representations of the self, both physical and psychological. A woman’s voice narrates, without emotion, an experience of seeing her reflection in a mirror and not recognizing it, setting off a series of metaphysical questions about the formation of the self, the mechanics of seeing and the origins of memory and conscious thought. Under this hypnotic voice, images flow one after another in dream-like sequence, and the act of looking, reflection and self-reflection are echoed again in the artist’s single-channel installation that is to be viewed through a two-way mirror.

Mercer Union, 1286 Bloor Street West. Exhibited daily, September 4 to 14. Exhibition continues to October 25.