Isabel's attempt to allow the video art to speak for
freedom is successful. The immediate accessibility of
the video images, and the simultaneous possibility of
their manipulation by delay or spatially separate playback,
is a special characteristic of video. Many artists have
made use of this technique in their work. However, through
the conventions of Net art, we expect that the Net artists
are trying to comment on some aspect of technology.
In "fence-off-fence", the confrontation that
Isabel experiences with perception were less prominent
than the interest in the general possibilities that
video offers for aesthetics and communication technology.
Isabel specifically emphasizes in her video arrangement
the aspect of dependence of physical impressions in
perceptions of time. In contrast, to thematize time
as a dimension that can be experienced in space.
"Fence-off-fence" will force some viewers
to find themselves questioning the message that the
art is trying to convey. The viewer comprehends that
the artist is questioning the animal's freedom; but,
what will occur if that fence around the boar is removed?
If it is, the viewer will be liberated and be unkempt,
which also applies the boar as a metaphor in the society.
The fence can be interpreted as a barrier between the
boar and humans; it separates the interests of the boar
and humans. If that fence is removed, then a conflict
of interest is created. The fence exists so that individuals
(both human and boar) can function simultaneously. The
reflection of human society can also be interpreted
in this manner. If there were no technology, rules or
education to control humans, who can predict the future
that we might have, and question how disorganized life
would be?
Isabel points out that she believes technology has already
permeated every aspect of our lives, stating, "Perhaps
it is my technological music that should be understood
in that way". She explains that the "sound
design is turning around in a circle. Exactly like what
the wild boar is doing (turning around, to find its
food). Concerning this last point: What do we do in
our life?" Isabel wanted to project the human life
and its comparison to the life of a wild boar repeatedly
turning around in his cage. She also questioned the
absurdity of life by asking the viewers: for what purpose
do we turn round in a circle?
Isabel's piece is meant to provoke mixed emotions
of curiosity and frustration. The choice of the subject
being a wild animal behind a fence, and the chaotic
movement of the wild boar, provokes the viewer into
thinking about the psychological projection of life
and freedom, which can be compared to the schizoid tendencies
in our western society. The destruction of the scene
and the circular chain of this short film, which begins
repeatedly in a perpetual process, restrict any chance
of escaping our human conditioning. Isabel does not
believe that art can influence technological society.
Ultimately, she asks the viewer, "How do you think
art can influence society's structure?"
|