Instant Calm was created using footage from an instructional meditation video sourced in a thrift store. The video is purposefully edited to remove all instruction or speech rendering its original purpose defunct. This video explores notions of self help cultures enacted through leisure activities, and exposes the seemingly innocuous site of leisure as the ultimate performance of human desire for freedom and escape from the constraints of contemporary life. This video was first shown as part of a multiscreen installation for Stephanie Houghs debut solo exhibition “In Pursuit of Leisure” curated by PLUCK PROJECTS at C.I.T Wandesford Quay Gallery, Cork City, Ireland. OCT/NOV 2014. – SH