Let’s Talk About Sex

“I ask almost about mechanics. If this is the mating dance what are the steps,” says Batista. “It goes deep into what they don’t know about their game, because no one has this thing mastered.”

Battle Between the Sexes marks Batista’s return to video art and his exploration of human interaction. He experienced success with his video Pass it On, which documented people passing on a kiss. But years of working at Calgary’s Emmedia kept him off the radar.

“I worked on probably 400 projects and in that time maybe made two, and I saw my art career dry up. And I’m only now seeing it re-beginning with this show.”

Now artist-in-residence at Emmedia, Batista has refocused his sights to explore human nature. By filming people’s opinions about sex and relationships Batista says he’s delving into what’s beautiful and inspirational in humanity.

“To me it’s really important that art is not some desperate catharsis for the artist that he flings out like semen bukkake on someone else’s face, but is actually constructive and positive.”

For Battle Between the Sexes, Batista edited his hours of interviews and cut them into clips. Creating a dialogue for the viewer, Male and Female clips are separated on two screens, and each clip is randomly selected by a computer.

Although it features a diverse selection of people in the Calgary area, and even Trailer Park Boys‘ Cory Bowles, Batista says the project has just begun. He’s applied for a grant to head across the country interviewing people. He’s also wants to create a website for people to participate in the project.

“I’m not up to the 100 people I want to be at. I just want to keep going with it, to get more of a variation of it…In fact if I get past 100 I’ll probably keep going, because I don’t think there will be a cap on my interest.”

Battle Between the Sexes will be on display from Fri September 5th – Sat September 13th at EMMEDIA. Those interested in becoming a part of the project can email Batista at artistavision@gmail.com

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