Virtual Assault

Title: VIRTUAL ASSAULT ON THE FORBIDDEN GROUNDS OF RANGOON
Duration: 7 MINUTES
Location: YANGON, MYANMAR
Date: JANUARY 18, 2009


Artists Concept:

Armed with a webcam, wiimote, laptop, red-orange plastic bag, borrowed audio amp and projector, Kais mic condenser and adhesive tapes. Singlish Punk and I collaborated on this piece in sympathy to our artist friends oppressed freedom with the rest of their community as well. Humanitarian crisis that seems to never ceased.

As you all know any public live art or simple gathering initiated by the critics against their political system is definitely impermissible. Setting foot on their grounds that morning of January 18, my sensibilities were immediately affected by a strange feeling of being time warped back in the days when my father was forcefully picked up early summer morning in the 70's by a dictator's militia. To loose a father at an early stage was a very unwelcome idea. And that one week of uncertainty and tormenting situation still haunts me to no end. It was so surreal to see that Burma (Myanmar) was so left out and deprived of a better life and almost everywhere I look feels like I was strolling down Manila thirty years ago. All because of their military oppression who relies heavily on astrology for their daily functions and long term planning.

This is what caught the worlds attention. Providing whatever help they could give, including raising art and cultural awareness. I was fortunate enough to witness that part of transformation. The thirst for knowledge they have shown, trying to reach out and pick up from where we have left.

Although, who am I to judge this military undertaking. Its just my observation, sympathy and personal opinion to what I see on the surface. Maybe someday things will become better. Maybe it'll follow the path of what other countries had become. Who knows what the future brings.

But what I am very positive about is that this art exchange made a significant mark on the history of their art practices and appreciation. And hoping that this will go on for more closer understanding with our Asean neighbors.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• virtual assault
• myanmar
• yangon
• dictatorship
• visual performance
• action art
• collaboration
• performance art
• interactive
• processing
• programming
• hacking
• new zero
• art
• new media
• open source
• hacktivism