Seeker
The “Seeker” installation by Leon Cmielewski, Josephine Starrs is a captivating display that utilizes three expansive screens to delve into complex themes such as migration, territorial boundaries, conflict-driven displacement, and the human experience of seeking refuge. This artwork is presented as a multi-screen installation featuring three large projections: one showcasing a dynamic flash animation running on a computer, another featuring an interactive component operated by a touch screen interface, and the third displaying a compelling digital video.
Upon entering the installation, visitors are invited to engage with the touch screen interface to craft their own migration narratives. Through a series of interactive prompts, individuals select their current location, places of previous residence, birthplace, and the current whereabouts of their parents. This interactive map dynamically illustrates a multi-generational history of movement and displacement, offering participants a profound reflection on their own migratory experiences.
Apart from the fun touch screen that you can play with, there's another screen that shows pictures of cities taken from space. But these aren't just ordinary pictures—they're special because they also have words scrolling over them. These words come from the internet and talk about some really serious historical events. They tell stories about people who had to leave their homes to find safety. It's sad because many people lost their lives while trying to escape from dangerous places to find a better life. This screen reminds of the hard journey some people have to take to feel safe again.
Meanwhile, the third screen features animated visualizations of population migration data, intertwined with the socio-economic impacts of conflicts over valuable resources such as tantalum, diamonds, and oil. These animated representations unfold against vast, empty landscapes from regions across Africa, Australia, and India, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of geopolitical struggles on human displacement.
In summary, the “Seeker” installation serves as a poignant exploration of the interconnected issues surrounding migration and conflict. Through its innovative use of technology and multimedia storytelling, it provides visitors with a thought-provoking journey into the complexities of human movement, border dynamics, and the enduring quest for refuge.
Resources:
Seeker
https://archive.aec.at/prix/showmode/9197/
Leon Cmielewski
https://josephinestarrs.com/lx/?page_id=7
Josephine Starrs
https://josephinestarrs.com/lx/?page_id=4
Human migration
Socio-economic and migration
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-economics.asp
Flash animation
