In 2019 they took audiences on a journey of reflection with the spellbinding 'House Of Mirrors', now artists Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney return to the Adelaide Fringe with their new installation '1000 Doors'.
Part art exhibition, part interactive adventure, '1000 Doors' is a brilliantly-crafted labyrinth designed to take audiences into multiple worlds. Through each door lies a beautifully-crafted room to explore; its contents, sound effects and musical scores designed to evoke feelings and memories in those who pass through.
From the outside, the inconspicuous black building which houses 1,000 doors gives no hints to the treasures held within and one could be forgiven for overlooking the structure as it lacks the colour and sparkle of the Garden's other pop-up venues. Yet, once inside, this seemingly plain space takes on a mysterious, almost magical feel and there is a sense of trepidation and excitement in the air as you approach the first of many doors.
Passing through each door is like passing through a portal and you never know what kind of world you will land in. Each room has been stunningly designed in exquisite detail – from the mould spots on walls and ceilings to the torn wallpaper and crumbling architecture, no detail has been overlooked and the result is truly breathtaking to behold.
Some rooms feel like you are exploring abandoned buildings while others inspire feelings of melancholy and isolation with their decaying contents and sad music. There are rooms which may remind participants of movie scenes (including some that look like they were ripped straight out of a horror movie) while others take on a truly strange or haunting appearance.
Each room features an evocative score which expertly combines sound effects with music to create a unique atmosphere for each space; and like the rooms themselves the score is open to interpretation.
Unlike most Fringe shows, '1000 Doors' allows you to wander at your own pace and you are encouraged to touch and even photograph the objects and rooms you encounter (and while there are definitely plenty of creative photo opportunities it is important to experience the space through your own eyes too).
