On Off Shore – gamma version
Project Proposal: On Off Shore – gamma version
A site adjusted version of the installation “On Off Shore – beta version” or a new combined installation called “On Off Shore – gamma version”, consisting of an executive board room situation contrasting the hacker den as used in “On Off Shore – beta version”. “On Off Shore – beta version” was shown at Cullity Gallery, Perth, in February-March 2024.
Introduction:
The tidal mudflats off the coast of South Korea stand as a poignant symbol of humanity's relationship with nature and the consequences of relentless industrial and economic pursuits. "On Off Shore" seeks to explore the multifaceted dimensions of this relationship through a contemporary art installation. Developed from the vision of artist Gustav Hellberg, the project delves into the complexities of environmental degradation, societal perspectives, and the elusive nature of truth.
Project Overview:
"On Off Shore" is an ongoing art project that originated from a conceptual video film project initiated in late 2018. The installation aims to capture the essence of the original vision through a dynamic interplay of visuals, narratives, and immersive experiences. Utilizing research material, location video footage, and innovative storytelling techniques, the project unfolds as a reflection on the dualistic existence of tidal mudflats and the dichotomy of human perception.
The beta version of the installation takes the form of a media installation, featuring five videos displayed on five monitors. These videos vary in length and offer diverse perspectives and narrative threads that intersect and diverge throughout the installation. Each video contributes to the overarching narrative of "On Off Shore," weaving together themes of environmental degradation, societal dynamics, and human intervention.
In a pioneering approach, "On Off Shore" integrates AI-generated voices to recreate the original dialogue in the video installation's sequences. This innovative use of technology adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue to the narrative, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction.
Furthermore, all scientific and historical material presented in the installation is authentic, serving as a stark contrast to the fictive nature of the project's narrative elements. By juxtaposing real-world data and fictional storytelling, "On Off Shore" challenges viewers to discern truth from fiction and confronts them with the complexities of environmental issues and human perspectives.
Technical details of the installation include:
Dimensions: Variable, allowing for adaptability to different exhibition spaces and configurations.
Media Setup: Desks adorned with documents, note pads, and Korean snacks and drinks
Equipment: Media players, monitors, and active speakers.
Conceptual Framework:
The core concept of "On Off Shore" revolves around the juxtaposition of contrasting perspectives towards the mudflats. One narrative thread explores the viewpoint of the Korean economic elite, driven by profit-oriented motives and industrial endeavors. In contrast, another thread delves into a more scientific and observational approach, highlighting the ecological significance of the mudflats.
Narrative Exploration:
Through a series of visually compelling scenes and immersive narratives, the installation invites viewers to delve into the intricacies of the mudflats' ecosystem and the socio-economic dynamics at play. Scenes depicting executive board meetings, activist interventions, and environmental transformations serve as focal points, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
Interactive Elements:
To enhance viewer engagement, the installation incorporates interactive elements that encourage participation and reflection. Viewers have the opportunity to navigate through different narrative pathways, experiencing the divergent perspectives firsthand. Interactive displays, audiovisual installations, and tactile components create a multisensory journey, inviting viewers to contemplate their own relationship with the environment.
Evolution of Perspectives:
Throughout the installation, the portrayal of conflicting perspectives evolves, challenging conventional notions of morality and truth. What initially appears as a dichotomy between the economic elite and environmental activists gradually unfolds into a nuanced exploration of competing ideologies and the inevitability of change. The installation aims to convey the futility of simplistic binaries and the complexity of human-environment interactions.
Conclusion:
"On Off Shore" offers a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary environmental issues, societal dynamics, and the elusive nature of truth. By reimagining a failed video project into a dynamic art installation, Gustav Hellberg invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of the world around them and reflect on humanity's role in shaping its environment.
The media installation provide a unique platform for engaging audiences with pressing environmental and social themes, fostering dialogue, and inspiring new perspectives.
