Self Destruction

With our third project, I wanted to play with the products of emotion and thought through a process using contrasting images and sounds. I put together a video that incorporates different themes and images people can relate to and how they survive on the edge of destruction daily. The video clips are all moving images from various wars and major disturbing events in history such as the execution of Saddam Hussein. In between these video clips is a flash of a photograph, 1/12 of a second to be exact, of different forms of life. Some of them are peaceful, some joyous. All have a positive connotation. Played along side the movie is a Meredith Monk music piece called Walking Song. I cut the silhouette of a body out of muslin and set a television up with two speakers on either side to simulate a head. These connected to my computer and I set the system in motion using a remote control. Sharpies were placed on the body and the class was asked to draw or write on the cut out. Most of what was drawn was in fun, such as a tie, but something was written to the extent of "It's amazing how long our race has survived with such destruction." Based on the reaction of the class, or more so, lack of reaction, I think the themes and goal weren't as obvious to a first time viewer like they were to me after watching it 30 times.
I wanted to create a process that leaned more towards interpretation than steps. I feel I achieved what I wanted to in my final product and I enjoyed putting it together.

And now for your viewing pleasure.....