Proposal for $tudent response - Coming Up for AIR 2021 - to coincide with COP26 in Glasgow November 2021
Coming UP for AIR Proposal. 2021 - COP26
Working Title: Ghost in the Machine. 2021.
Please see attached visual files.
This work has come from our recent collage project – working
with found imagery and experimenting with the direct photocopying of plants.
Combining the natural world elements alongside the image of
the lone man ‘at work’ the pressure applied to the white flower through the
photocopier echoed by the white overall worn by the protagonist.
This photocopying process formed strange shadows which
recalled the imagery associated with the ghostly or ephemeral - notions of
disappearance of species. This was combined with the symbol of ‘Extinction
Rebellion’
‘Ghost in the Machine’ is the British philosopher Gilbert
Ryle’s description of Rene Descartes mind body dualism. Ryle introduced the
phrase in ‘The Concept of the Mind’ [1946] to highlight the view of Descartes
and others that mental and physical activity occur simultaneously but
separately.
It is interesting to relate this idea not only to the
process of collage but to the cultural shift in thinking that is needed if we
are to achieve lower emissions – where it is instinctive rather than unusual to
live in a carbon neutral way.
The images are reminiscent of the immediate ‘paste-up’
aesthetic associated with protest action posters; thinking of Shepard Fairey
[Obey Giant] Kennard/Phillips and the graphic qualities of Barbara Kruger.
The elements of nature, man the struggle and labour of protest
coming together within the vector of a mask.
It is referencing notions of time, pressure, labour and the importance
of individual contributions coming together to make a powerful whole.
I have digitised and manipulated the collages. The choice of showing them on a mask is to highlight the increasing need for mask wearing in many countries around the world [not just Covid related]
Mask as
Membrane.
Mask as Vector.
Dimensions and Medium.
I propose to have one or more masks printed. These would
then be photographed at high resolution and the enlarged digitised flattened
out products directly collaged onto the wall outside the University. It would
be interesting to see three masks in different orientations along the wall as
an invitation to come in and engage.



