Identity Crisis: Cultural Mapping
Symposium:
Session Title:
- Global/Local (High & Low)
Presentation Title:
- Identity Crisis: Cultural Mapping
Presenter(s):
Abstract:
Artist Statement
The desire to travel has accelerated into a frenzy satisfying our fantasies of uncovering unfamiliar places, a demand for the exotic and confronting rituals of the primitive. Technology has permitted travel at phenomenal speeds, ironically shortening the length of stay in territory which ultimately remains foreign. The western traveller confronted with an alien environment observes an array of ‘ethnic rituals’ through a range of sophisticated electronic products, then frantically returns home with each recorded image serving as a measure of his/her western supremacy. Experiencing the ‘other’ really occurs.
The electronic gateways continue to channel traffic along all possible routes, yet the traveller approaching from the opposite direction is confronted with these gateways that rapidly metamorphosing into barriers. The West becomes a frontier impenetrable without the correct data and sufficient information. Each gateway selects, records, and tags the individual. Once within the walls of the fortress each movement is discreetly observed, the act of surveillance embedded within local environments carefully observing the identities of those that are alien – Distance is encouraged – Interaction is not. For the visitor, routes are preset, environments controlled, orientation determined by those in control. The visitor has arrived but the culture remains remote. Identities are preserved.
