Overview:
Video By Noah Rosecrans
A century after the creation of the icon known as Mickey Mouse, and 95 years since his national debut in Steamboat Willie, the cartoon has entered the public domain. This milestone serves as the foundation for this installation, which sets the tone for reflection of a surreal future—one that feels both imagined and uncomfortably plausible.
​
Just 14 years after artist Ub Iwerks hand-drew Mickey as a symbol of joy and childhood wonder, the character was transformed into a functional military product designed for children to wear as protection— a far cry from his original purpose. Created in 1942, the original “Mickey Mouse Gas Mask” emerged from the intertwined
influence of government and capitalism, each amplifying the other’s reach and power in a complex dance of control and exploitation. This stark transformation of the iconic character underscores the disturbing intersection of innocence and harsh reality. It serves as a reminder of how quickly even the purest symbols can be reshaped by fear, necessity, and the drive to capitalize, resulting in a loss of innocence. The world remains
Projected imagery of conflicts throughout history are reflected in the eyes of the gas mask.
in constant conflict—a force more timeless than Mickey Mouse himself. Public Dominion delves into themes of chaos, innocence, and culture through the interplay of nostalgia, video art, sound, and large-scale sculpture.
Upon entering the space, visitors are transported back in time to a 1940's WWII era living room.
TIMELAPSE OF THE INSTALLATION BUILD PROCESS:
26 Liberty St, Newburgh, NY 12550
© Murmuration INC 2025
