UBC | Digital Visions
Digital Visions
Back
 
View site
The 12hr-ISBN-JPEG Project

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?"

 
previous 1 | 2
Site: http://www.saij-netart.de