Artist's Proposal

This body of work looks at global advances in technology primarily, though not restricted to the internet, satellite, broadband and mobile technology and its influence on the global population as a whole.

The impact of technology and its effect on the country/countries, world politics and policies with a futuristic approach to the concept of the singularity and an “earth” rather than country mentality, where borders are no longer an issue and race based on country, culture and belief no longer defining humankind.

The above can be said to be the macro effects of technology on humankind. A more focused approach of the effects of technology on the local community in which this residency is based and its influence on the culture and daily life of the individual within the community, this will take place by immersing oneself in the community, culture and beliefs of the surrounding community, this more micro approach to the concept gives the artist a more definitive idea of the changes and influences of technology on the world through the eyes and affects it has on/of a smaller community.

The target community is likely to be the surrounding community regardless of position, class, race or financial disposition as the effect of technology must be measured against all of humankind, it will be interesting to note how accessibility to technology separates one community from another, which in turn opens debate on the futuristic ideal of a world without borders considering technology is shrinking the world as we know it today making communication and travel easier.

My personal objective is to explore the singularity and futuristic concept and comment on how technology may ultimately unite the world; while reaching that point however; creates wide schisms between communities and possibly countries.

At the same time the project aims to educate the community to the implications, dangers and advantages of the advances of global technology and its uses within the local community to minimise the gaps between emerging and first world economies and countries.

The success of the project is evaluated in the response to the project, community participation and my personal interaction with the community and collaborative artists where applicable. I anticipate this project could take up to 6 months to complete with the first half of this time given to research and engaging with the local community, the balance of this time to realising the concept visually for the final presentation.

The budget for the project is primarily dictated to by the materials and cannot be defined at this stage, though is not expected to exceed R30000.00. The project will be documented and referenced during research through the use of recording media such as Video, sound recording devices and writing material, where the final presentation will be a visual representation using mixed media and the above mentioned devices.

I anticipate making use of the internet and will require (Have) a laptop or computer as well as mobile device and video recording equipment, most of which I have already and will/can supply.

Mixed media materials such as vinyl and plastic may be used in the final presentation and should be sourced locally. Graphic design and printed materials may also be used and can be sourced locally. The abovementioned mixed media materials and production thereof make up some of the costs associated with this project.