Artwork
Antarctica - video projection
Lucy + Jorge Orta, 2007-2008
- Ref: 5102
- Materials: Single screen video projection 15'40".
Edition two of seven (Original format HDV)
- Dimensions: Projection ratio 16:9
- Exhibition history: 2008 Galleria Continua / Le Moulin; 2009 Hauger Art Gallery, Norway; Le Forum Blanc Mesnil, France; 2010 Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Paris
- Courtesy: Courtesy the Artists
- Concept: The film depicts the artists fascinating expedition to the Antarctic peninsula in February-March 2007, when they installed the Antarctic Village under the most extreme conditions and aided by scientists stationed at the Marambio Antarctic Base.
Antarctic village is an ephemeral encampment that reflects on the plight of those struggling to transverse borders and to gain the freedom of movement necessary to escape political and social conflict. Composed of a series of Dome Dwellings, hand-made tents assembled with sections of flags from countries around the world, along with extensions of clothes and gloves symbolising the multiplicity and diversity of people. The flags and fragments of clothes are silkscreen printed with motifs referencing the UN Declaration for Human Rights and an article the artists propose to amend: Art. 13.3.
Through the symbolic act of founding their village, the artists reflect on the ideology that embodies Antarctica in particular the Antarctic Treaty, the first Arms Control agreement established during the Cold War to be signed by 12 nations. The peace treaty declares this sixth continent a scientific preserve, established freedom of scientific investigation, environmental protection and banned all military activity. Antarctic Village – No Borders is therefore a metaphor for a land that could welcomes all, a physical embodiment of the Global Village.
