complacency (2022)
Performance-based single-channel audio-visual artwork with multichannel sound, analog-digital video composition.
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complacency (2022) is a work that shows a desire to speak to the truths of revolution under capitalism and seeks to exemplify the growing discontent youth have with this concept of a form of "equality" under the dictatorship of capitalism.
Rainbow capitalism here is portrayed as not only a mask for further subjugation to hide behind, but an increasingly dangerous weapon used against marginalised groups to imbue pro authoritarian propaganda into these already suffering communities.
Imagery of a 1980s Mardi Gras parade mixed in with psychedelic & joy filled clips from the 2003 film “Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem”, are juxtaposed with graphic police violence against protesters and text excerpts from an assortment of communist literature.The work creates an electric sense of dissonance and not only a gruesome look into the realities of supressing true revolution, but a deep intention to enact true, radical change, with a glimmer of the very utopia queer revolutionaries are working towards around the world.”
This work has developed over time into the final piece that was performed at The Cave Inn in Woolloongabba on June 28th 2022 with accompanying audio by Amy Sargeant. For me, it was an early foray into analog video art and my first performance work as a contemporary artist. Hope you enjoy. x
