WEEK RECAP

So this is just a recap of the week and some of the pointers learnt and discussed through lectures and talks. Our lecture began on Tuesday and this was discussing 'Vision, Surveillance, knowledge and power.' Part of our theory which is Cultures of convergence. We conversed with many ideas relating to this subject, such as ideas of Utilitarian, Ocularcentrism, movement and voyeurism. Even studying examples such as Bentham's Panopticon prison as a form of visual control over a large radius. This then progressed to the famous '1984.' George Orwell novel and ideas of Totalitarianism and the formation of ideas of having the 'Big Brother.' (Not the show widely known, but this was also a form of control we discussed as an example to totalitarianism.) 

It was then up to us to speculate about the ideas proposed to us and converse with our groups about the many ways this could be interpreted and even our understanding, could be developed through group opinions. 

I did find the conversations informative and it did land perspective on ways I as an individual could translate this knowledge into my own work. As we went on we viewed an artist recommended to us by a fellow colleague of ours called 'How not to be seen.' By Hito Steyeri as my tutor put it; being an excellent counterpart to the lecture previously. I did find the concept interesting. This rebellion against a global power was intriguing and at times confusing but it landed perspective on how we as a generation commit ourselves to this virtual world, it is perhaps seen as an Eden. Escapism in some aspects from a world we're not happy in or feel overwhelmed with. Although this short film by Steyeri tells us we can leave it behind. Steyeri is clever to insinuate through to the end you cannot leave completely. That a part of you still exists within the system, a series of data trails to your history so it's almost saying we are trapped. We cannot leave. But, we can hide. 

The next week coming up would be dedicated to viewing exhibitions happening in London, gathering research and references to contribute to my studies and inspire me to produce content relatable and also appropriately challenging my theme for both my theory of cultures of convergence and also presenting an opportunity for my short film piece.