Session 18 Cosmology - Fareed Armaly with the participants
The scheme (above), considering mapping, modeling and simulation and the overlaps they shape between spatialized notions (conflict-zones, transit zones and networks), represents both the main topics we had considered within our individual curatorial research (the phase 1 of the blog) and what we directly had to deal with in our practice (cf. Yun-In’s reflection on “meta maps” in the episode 8’s group discussion). For instance, we have studied artists whose work concerns transit zones (“Border Device” by Diane Pigeau) and had to experiment with the borders of France due to the eviction of the Non-European residents of our group. On another level, we considered the use of mappings and data-models in artists works and discovered our own need to model our system in order to reflect on it.
In the present episode, we considered the notion of modeling from the point of view of two collectives:
- zoOM, invited as a core of architects, describe their networking method with sound / video artists and the way projection through models and maps would become a reflection itself inside of their work. Considering tactical connections which they would build, they reflect on architecture and urban spaces as places for “mediation”.
- Projet Diligence would integrate the practice of modeling as the whole process of their work: Their basic project has been the stated plan of the construction of a train engine, that needs funding for realization. After planning a grant and obtaining a residence, they would experiment working on a scale 1:1 model inside of the room. Then, by using it as a shell for invitations, they would turn it into cerebral journeys and use the process of re-modeling this structure every time it would welcome a guest as the realization of the engine’s traveling.
As we went along and through the inputs they gave, we confronted these two collectives to the notions we already had weaved in the scheme above, such as the one of networking:
- ZoOM would consider the notion of “network” as something clearly material (cables and plugs).
- Projet Diligence would figure it out as totally immaterial (the non material aspect of human connections).
It appeared our research was definitively based on transition, medias being a solution to any absence: For instance, Tolga’s interview of Hiwa K about his own e-learning of traditional meals by his mother. Marianna’s archives as a way to exchange-and-preserve knowledge, Yun-In’s reflection on patrimony with the Sungnyemun gate fire (episode 5) or collective memory with Elodie’s work on traumatic experiences (e.g. Jeremy Deller keeping memory and later on, squiggles as a cure).
Even if we could no longer consider these notions outside of the context of their geometry, one notion leading to the other, modeling was a good start for the first episode of our phase 2 as a semantic nod between a theoretical projection and a practical step for the realization of an exhibition.
