“Alice in NadaLand” tells the story of Alice’s lesser known adventure- lost in Reno Nevada.  This project will convert the interior of the motel room into a wonderland style “wobbly-room” that broght Alice into the life of Reno where up is down, down is up and gravity holds no significant importance.  

The room mixed a number of visual elements from the classic Alice in Wonderland (card suits, tea cups and tea pots etc.) with modern complementary Reno iconography including poker-gaming chips, martini glasses, as well as classic slot machine symbols.  Interactivity was engaged when visitors enter the room and became slightly disoriented by illogical placement of objects that bear childhood familiarity, mixed with iconic Reno symbols. 

The space will appeared as if frozen at the moment gravity left the room- a swirling, moving space, with furniture and features floating around and above.  The classic original etchings (by Tenniel) of Lewis Caroll’s (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson) novel inspired a set of acrylic paintings that formed visual anchors in the installation. 

Bright colors contrasted with white backgrounds and under-lighting to create odd shadows and enhanced the floating effect.

NadaDada Motel offers visitors an opportunity to experience a one-on-one connection with art and artists in a unique environment unlike anything the static gallery world provides.  Visitors interact directly with the artist and the artwork.   

I used the whole room as an installation- to create an environment that engaged the visitors who entered.  The concept  enveloped and surrounded the viewer- and created an altered sense of reality.

The project included a variety of re-purposed and highly altered furniture elements which became individual sculptural pieces, as well as acrylic paintings, painted hanging panels and small constructions.

Acknowledgements:  This Project is made possible through a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, The NEA, and Reno Burners llc.