NIKOLAJ BENDIX SKYUM LARSEN
Rush Hour (2007-2020), HDV, stereo soundtrack , 2 minutes
Art Land Magazine: "Rush Hour is a 2 minute video studying the motions and actions of a Palestinian policeman as he conducts the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians around a busy, and otherwise chaotic, traffic intersection in the heart of Ramallah, the capital of the Palestinian National Authority. Made during a residency at Al-ma’mal Foundation for Contemporary Art in Jerusalem, Larsen’s short film is an endearing portrait of both a quirky individual, his place in his community and his apparent total commitment to it. The officer subject has developed uniquely stylised movements in his direction of the traffic. Part performance, part choreography, the officer mashes bodypopping, dance, humour and dedicated focus in the pursuit of his tasks. Compelling and fascinating, Rush Hour is a lesson in how to bring joy and levity to one’s place of work for the betterment of all, not least one’s self. Poignant and oddly uplifting."
https://magazine.artland.com/loop-fair-2020-highlights-of-the-fair-of-the-moving-image/