AXIOM
by sglarson
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This work has not been commented by curators.
Title
AXIOM
Headline
How do we resist the seemingly benign when we're mesmerized by it in spite of our better judgment?
Concept author(s)
Sally Grizzell Larson
Concept author year(s) of birth
1961
Concept author(s) contribution
Conceived, produced, and edited by the artist. The text in the piece was edited from the writings of Amédée Ozenfant (1886-1966).
Concept author(s) Country
United States of America
Friendly Competition
Competition category
Mobilization
Competition field
nonacademic
Competition subfield
artist
Subfield description
I make art that considers and questions the existing social (and political) structures governing our communities and the world at large. AXIOM, the project submitted here, has been exhibited/screened at a wide variety of venues including alternative spaces, museums, and community festivals. I’m not particular about where the work is shown.
Check out the Debt. 2012 outlines of Memefest Friendly competition.
Description of idea
Describe your idea and concept of your work in relation to the festival outlines:
I feel compelled to set up a space to critically reexamine the motives hidden behind or within certain sets of assumptions, and in turn, to make sure that this query (the video, the audio, the written word) becomes part of the historical record. I believe the very act of documenting to be a radical act, one that has proven historically to be a vital form of resistance.
Through the rhythm of clapping hands, the repetition of images in equally timed segments, and a satisfying text, AXIOM examines how we can be physiologically as well as psychologically lulled and seduced. As a high-functioning receptor, the human brain is indiscriminate about what it picks up. So how then do we resist the seemingly benign - a charismatic leader, an ad campaign - when we’re mesmerized by it in spite of our better judgment? I know who benefits from exploiting our natural susceptibility to coercion. The query proposed here, and repeated every time AXIOM is screened, is what can we do to prevent it?
What kind of communication approach do you use?
Working within the visual dimension is the most effective way for me to address issues - and the moving image especially, because it can carry a greater amount of informational nuance.
What are in your opinion concrete benefits to the society because of your communication?
(Please see the responses above and below.)
What did you personally learn from creating your submitted work?
The motivation behind all my work is an attempt to reconcile what I can't make sense of - politically and socially - in light of the fact (and challenge) of simply being human. My main audience is me.
Why is your work, GOOD communication WORK?
It is imperative for all of us to question, document, and speak - softly and loudly.
Where and how do you intent do implement your work?
As an independent visual artist I'm open to screening/exhibiting my work at any venue where it will find an open-minded audience.
Did your intervention had an effect on other Media. If yes, describe the effect? (Has other media reported on it- how? Were you able to change other media with your work- how?)
I'm not sure if the viewing of my work has had any effect on other media. Good work can be unobtrusive and quiet, and not have a ripple effect until long after it's over. I can only hope.