Control Room
Audio/visual installation, presented at Domestic Disturbance, London (2010)
This work is a cut-up of the narrative of a 2004 documentary by Magnolia Films. In it, members of the Al Jazeera media in Qatar converse with media representatives from the American military during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
The installation is a re-edited version focusing on key moments of exchange, which are then divided into separate video channels. Each channel is then projected onto mirrors, which project further onto other mirrors, with the end effect of a kaleidoscope around the room, resulting in an immersive environment. A total of 50 mirrors, some hanging at angles in front of the projector, some tiled at angles to catch further reflections, provide the effect of re-wallpapering the room into a constantly moving collage of image and sound.
The installation is an attempt to retell and re-evaluate key themes from the film, in particular the impact of perspective on allegiance and the role of news media as a filter on real or imagined events. The piece reconstructs a narrative out of exchanges between key 'on the ground' media personalities during a pivotal moment in history.
- More information on the Control Room documentary.