by Johann Nortje and Tane Upjohn-Beatson in collaboration with Joe Dixon
New Zealand
An interactive memorial, Still explores the
duality of war: the destruction of lives and the construction of a
collective future. Presented simultaneously in Auckland,
Christchurch and Poitiers in France, Still commemorates the First
World War with an opportunity to connect with people from countries
involved in the war, 100 years ago.
In front of an interactive screen, the audience has a
choice.
If they are still and meditative, they can listen to
music from the time of the First World War and watch as their face
is added to a collage of other observers alongside archive images
of people photographed at the time of WWI; growing a family tree of
faces, cultures and connections from around the world.
If the audience moves, the memorial presents a
collection of dark geometrical shapes, while noise disrupts the
musical tunes and will provide a more aggressive sound
environment.
The contrast of these two interactions showcases the
dual nature of war: Still is either silent and intimate,
or dark, anonymous and violent.