Acts of Cassandra
Humans will always have a strong temptation to make predictions about a greater civilization in the future.
Just like a hereditary will, we carry it in our genes for centuries.
As Nikolai Berdyaev once said: "Utopias are more realisable than those 'realist politics' that are only the carefully calculated policies of office-holders, and towards utopias we are moving. But it is possible that a new age is already beginning, in which cultured and intelligent people will dream of ways to avoid ideal states and to get back to a society that is less 'perfect' and more free."
In my project ‘Acts of Cassandra’ I examine the relevance of utopianism and dystopian ideologies in relation of present-day technological and social changes.
The project operates as an imaginary mind-map and installation in which I juxtapose the trivial fears and expectations from a new world order and the issues of our forthcoming society.
The metaphorical manner of the images guides the viewer throughout a fictional state in the future filled with hidden references and symbols inspired by the 20th century dystopian literature. As these references may illustrate the obsolete conceptions of past beliefs, often they reveal some relevant issues in our current lives and upcoming conversions. I emphasize how the important phenomena of today's societal manner point towards the uncanny directions of our future while it also reflects back on our historical prophecies in a strange, almost coincidental way.
My work visually covers the excessive techno-optimism, industrialism and social deformations within the frame of the emerging elements in our society. While facts collide into fables, my work also manifests a fusion between art and scientific research as a method to better understand our future.
As an attempt, I also open dialog about the opponent ends of optimism and pessimism towards the topic of Antropochene.
The title refers to Cassandra a foreteller of Greek mythology.
Under her name, there is also a psychological phenomena called “Cassandra complex” which occurs to one, when one’s valid warnings or concerns are disbelieved by others.
The installation features an experimental video-work and part of my research materials as archive documents beside the photographs.
Video installation
A 04'32 minutes long multi-channel video-installation loop.
Features video stills and directed performance art.
The installation has neither a specific sequence nor chronology.
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