artist talk

Key Concepts and Ideas

• Integration of Technology and Art

  • The project uses a mixed-media approach combining real-time speech, prerecorded material, and animation.

  • Recorded speeches were utilized alongside live presentations to enhance audience engagement.

• Location and Equipment

  • The initial recordings took place in a basic sound studio in Tijuana.

  • Equipment included sound mixing systems and VHS tapes for video recording, as computers were not available at that time.

• Public Engagement and Controversy

  • The festival expressed concern about the project's politically sensitive themes but could not retract due to public discourse surrounding it.

  • Two distinct public types are identified: informed public (inner) and general audience (outer).

• Symbolism in Performance

  • The building's facade symbolizes changing narratives, reminiscent of how cities often suppress certain voices or histories.

  • Use of the term "skin" to describe both the building and the surfaces, signaling the connection between the physical and societal layers of meaning.

• Drones as a Medium

  • Drones featured in the project symbolize elevated voices, with the analogy of angels conveying messages from above.

  • Aimed for interaction between speakers on the ground and those represented by the drones, though currently only utilizing prerecorded material.

• Future Vision of the Project

  • Plans for integrating real-time conversation back and forth between the drones and the audience through technology.

  • Focus on real societal issues, particularly those affecting immigrants from Africa and their experiences in Italian camps.

• Performance Dynamics

  • Drones are designed to sync voices and imagery to human expressions, potentially enhancing storytelling through aerial performances.

  • Safety measures in place to prevent accidents during the performance; operators maintain control to ensure safety.

• Social Relevance

  • Addresses the plight of immigrants, reminding audiences of the human stories behind statistics and political narratives.

  • The project has implications for societal empathy and awareness, especially concerning immigrant experiences.

• Comparative Project Experience

  • Past project in New York used a similar format for communicating immigrant experiences during the COVID epidemic.

Overall Significance

• Through innovative use of technology and performance art, this project seeks to break the silence surrounding heavy societal issues, creating an avenue for dialogue and understanding.

• By utilizing drones, the project attempts to elevate underrepresented voices, juxtaposing their narratives against the backdrop of societal indifference.

Questions for Audience Engagement

• Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts and engage in discussions about the project, particularly in relation to its themes of technology, art, and social justice.