Nina Katchadourian (American, born 1968). <em>In a Room Full of Strangers</em>, 2013. Three-channel video (color, sound), bespoke wood frames; 4 min., 32 sec., Framed monitor, each: 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, William K. Jacobs, Jr. Fund, 2014.83. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2015_Diverse_Works_04_2014.83_PS8.jpg)

Nina Katchadourian (American, born 1968). In a Room Full of Strangers, 2013. Three-channel video (color, sound), bespoke wood frames; 4 min., 32 sec., Framed monitor, each: 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, William K. Jacobs, Jr. Fund, 2014.83. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2015_Diverse_Works_04_2014.83_PS8.jpg)

Nina Katchadourian (American, born 1968). In a Room Full of Strangers, 2013. Three-channel video (color, sound), bespoke wood frames; 4 min., 32 sec., Framed monitor, each: 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, William K. Jacobs, Jr. Fund, 2014.83. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Image courtesy of Catharine Clark Gallery, CUR.2014.83_artist_photograph_view1_ccg_010314-002_web.jpg)

Nina Katchadourian (American, born 1968). In a Room Full of Strangers, 2013. Three-channel video (color, sound), bespoke wood frames; 4 min., 32 sec., Framed monitor, each: 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, William K. Jacobs, Jr. Fund, 2014.83. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Image courtesy of Catharine Clark Gallery, CUR.2014.83_artist_photograph_view3_ccg_010314-008_web.jpg)

Nina Katchadourian (American, born 1968). In a Room Full of Strangers, 2013. Three-channel video (color, sound), bespoke wood frames; 4 min., 32 sec., Framed monitor, each: 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, William K. Jacobs, Jr. Fund, 2014.83. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Image courtesy of Catharine Clark Gallery, CUR.2014.83_artist_photograph_view2_ccg_010314-003_web.jpg)

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Is this a series of works by the artist?

Yes, that artist, Nina Katchadourian, has used herself as a model in a whole series of works made on airplanes while she travels. She took a series of still photos of herself in an airplane bathroom, wearing hats and costumes made of paper towels. This video piece was also made in an airplane bathroom! She calls the series "Seat Assignment."

In a Room Full of Strangers

Nina Katchadourian

Contemporary Art

Since 2010 Nina Katchadourian has staged impromptu artworks in airplane lavatories, using only the materials at her disposal to transform her appearance in the tradition of Renaissance portraiture. For this three-channel video, the artist repurposed her shirt and scarf as well as folded paper towels and toilet-seat covers to construct her attire. She then filmed herself lip-syncing the Bee Gees’ hit “Nights on Broadway” while periodically delivering a deadpan glance at the viewer or her other on-screen personas. Katchadourian operates in the strange space between humor and seriousness, freedom and constraint, animating the ways identity is performed—even in a bathroom stall.

PORTFOLIO/SERIES From the "Seat Assignment" series

ARTIST Nina Katchadourian, American, born 1968

MEDIUM Three-channel video (color, sound), bespoke wood frames; 4 min., 32 sec.

DATES 2013

DIMENSIONS Framed monitor, each: 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm) Installed Dimensions, from floor to top of frames: 68 × 57 × 4 in. (172.7 × 144.8 × 10.2 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Contemporary Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 2014.83

CREDIT LINE William K. Jacobs, Jr. Fund

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Nina Katchadourian (American, born 1968). In a Room Full of Strangers, 2013. Three-channel video (color, sound), bespoke wood frames; 4 min., 32 sec., Framed monitor, each: 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, William K. Jacobs, Jr. Fund, 2014.83. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2015_Diverse_Works_04_2014.83_PS8.jpg)

EDITION Edition: 5/5

IMAGE installation, DIG_E_2015_Diverse_Works_04_2014.83_PS8.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2015

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Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

Is this a series of works by the artist?