a
projected installation with audio and performance
elements. Three video projections, featuring images
from the U.S.
2003 invasion of Iraq, are located on three walls on
the corner of Jay and Water Streets. The artist operates
his
V.R.A.G. projection device from the center of the open
space enclosed by the projections. The V.R.A.G. is
a M.I.D.I. controlled video remix unit which allows
the artist to
trigger video and audio clips at will and direct the
beam wherever he chooses. All the clips loaded into
the V.R.A.G.
are of airborne military operations from the invasion.
The artist intermittently performs with the unit, beaming
images of helicopters, airplanes and other air attack
vehicles (along with related audio) onto the buildings
surrounding
the space (including buildings across the streets).
All the clips projected are high contrast black & white,
iconic images, removed from looking realistic, yet dominating
and disturbing. Air raids, emanating from the V.R.A.G.
sweep the area unannounced and disappear. An ephemeral,
imaginary war is enacted on these American walls and buildings,
bringing images of destruction and domination without any
physicality. The piece has an aesthetic beauty and contrasted
horror, causing the viewer to experience conflict and requesting
of them an evaluation of their attitudes towards the invasion. “waRAID” uses
scale and detail reduction to re-present war images
on architectural surfaces and locations, to bring home
that
which before was experienced via TV
|