What are the dreams and promises embedded in mainstream cinema? We can’t resist sharing with you our recent discovery of one contemporary art project that explores this topic. The Woods (2012), a trilogy of multi-channel video installations by South African born artist Candice Breitz, takes a close look at the world of child performers and the performance of childhood.

The Woods traverses three continents to explore the rituals and conventions governing the on-camera and off-camera personae of professional actors working in Hollywood (Los Angeles, USA), Bollywood (Mumbai, India) and Nollywood (Lagos, Nigeria) respectively. The Audition, The Rehearsal and The Interview explore the meanings behind show business rituals. The Woods is currently on view until July 26 at City Gallery Wellington, New Zealand. Read more about this captivating project.