The Diaspora Chant
Deschamps Publishing
Listen to to "The Diaspora Chant" below
Towers
Towers are used for a variety of reasons and can have varied meanings and relationships with the human consciousness. They have been used by humans since prehistoric times and the purpose of a tower is usually what gives it meaning. They are used to communicate, control, enforce power, observation, security and defence. Furthermore the towers purpose determines its narrative accentuating patterns for human existence and the human condition. They perpetuate systems and societal functions especially when orientated by technology and the powers that control them. Digital towers are far more complex because now you don't know who is behind a screen or what they're thinking or what order they could give.
The Diaspora Chant
For this installation Gino recorded the fluttering and waving of the paper panels and the vocal interactions of the visitors to the exhibition to create a chant which represented the unheard stories of each of the 100 heads in the presence of the viewer.
State of Authority
Towers become symbols for the power of the state, built on fear, rule and regulation and are used to contain those who pose a threat to national security. Acts taken within whether agreeable or not are usually hidden under the name of national security. If an individual is caught "between the cracks" isolation from the sovereign state usually ensues. This happens frequently especially during conflicts leaving the individual powerless, isolated and stateless with no recourse to the rule of law.
Disasters of War
Goya expressed so eloquently the truth about the "Disasters of War" showing man's inhumanity to man. Since then politicians and power seekers from all corners of the earth claim war is manageable and protecting the innocent is key and laws are in place to do that. Yet we see with our eyes nothing has changed, except the resident numbness we feel when confronted with the daily pictures on screens of devices for communication. The information projecting out is pivoted to accommodate the angle of bias each side reflects. The beholder's perspective usually sanitising their role in war or reflecting the depravity of war committed by opposing sides. Even though they are caught in the same mirror, how people can be persuaded to see the reflection is the key. These reflections become psychology towers of persuasion for "Power", "Control" or "Money" and they usually have little to do with truth.
For this installation Gino nailed each of the 48 panels to the wall using forged iron nails, the multiple made was a conversation with Goya's Disasters of War and the Apocalypse and Bayeux tapestries. In the middle ages tapestries were usually hung on walls in the homes of the wealthy and powerful. Gino also invited visitors to respond to the installation Gino recorded the vocal interactions of the visitors to the exhibition to create a "Cry" bringing man's inhumanity to man to the viewer through sound.
The Disasters of War
by Gino Ballantyne
UCMK and Deschamps Press
Listen to "Cry" below
Disasters of War Talking Drawings
