The New Empire
7 minute, split screen video, 2014
Since the inception of the nation state, the concept of nationality has become one of the key facets of our identity. It has been the source of many of the major conflicts of the 20th century and is something, which is so ingrained in us that it defines our tastes, preferences and worldview. However, a great many of the nations which existed in the past, to which people felt such loyalty, have now disappeared. In the 20th century alone 45 nations have disappeared as they were merged, split or simply dissolved. The symbols of these nations: anthems, flags and landmarks which were for so many for so long imbued with the essence of the nation now seem empty. A shell stripped of all meaning. Who next? Spain, Belgium, Italy or the United Kingdom? At the same time old states are awakening from their slumber: Montenegro, Estonia, Scotland and Catalonia being prime examples. New states are coming into being. The UAE for instance has emerged in the past 40 years as a vibrant nation with a distinct identity and culture. Indeed, since 1990 34 new countries have been created.
With this explosion of new states comes new identities, new patriotism and new ways of individuals to identify themselves in the world. At the same time the location, the physical reality of the nation, is constant and unchanging. It is the canvas upon which we paint our national identity. This work seeks to embody the shifting nature of the nation, nationality and location. Specifically the relationship between the physical space a nation inhabits and its ideological representation. The nation.
This work has been exhibited in ISEA 2014, 20th International Symposium on Electronic Art in Dubai and FLEFF 2015, Iterations as Habitats, The Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival at Ithaca Collage.
