The two self-portrait films offer glimpses into Matthew Goh’s investigation on deepening connections with the spaces around us. He draws predominantly from the philosophical trope of non-dualism and also takes inspiration from automatism where artmaking taps into the unconscious psyche. As an artist, the latter is an important departure from the way Matthew usually creates his work. Hence, part of the research process was to film in single-take while engaged with structured improvisation at each location. The resultant films, hence draw from such footage.  

Carefully considering how to bring out both these ideas through the films, ensued in the decision of using kite-flying as an activity. To Matthew, the act of kite-flying lends itself as an analogy to understand the nuances and interrelatedness between man and the universe. The wind (external elements), the kite (a desire), the string (a conduit) and the human all need to come together in the seemingly simple act of kite-flying. Throughout the process there was a constant struggle to seek out a connection between himself and the kite, especially when it was not in flight, and the space he was inhabiting.

In order to create and comment upon conversations between the act of kite flying and the environment, Matthew streamlined the locations. After all, space and society are mutually embedded. Drawing on spatiality – that chronicles the effect of space on actions and interactions – and keeping kite flying as the main activity he had to reassess the choreography of the body in the chosen spaces. The chosen landscapes also become a commentary on how changes in urban environments force the kite-flyer to adapt the way in which he handles the kite.

Concurrently, the environments also comment on ideas of free-spirit that the kite alludes to. The mix of other players in the shots not only bring out the spirit of the location but also bring to the fore larger questions about artmaking and shared authorship. Relying on a transcendental aesthetic, in both films Matthew elevates the mundane to understand his own existence.