THE DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT DATA (E1)
2023
The Day
the Earth Caught Data unfolds in a series of several episodes that attempt to create fictional narratives about the end of the world, using
different tourist locations. The material is from online sources, using primarily photos that the visitors share, developing
in interactive installations.
The title
is a reference to post-apocalyptic film “The Day the Earth Caught Fire” (1961) and each
episode suggests
dystopian scenarios, aftermaths of intense human presence and the constant use
of digital media that accompanies it. A recent Guardian article wrote:
“Sites are nothing more than the backdrop for our selfies” Constant
surveillance practices on Earth’s surface, frequent use of mapping apps,
as well as incessant sharing self-referential content online, compliments
tourism’s already
significant part in climate crisis. Is it then that the end of the world might come
from our own visual representations in our effort to keep it alive
and real?
Episode 1 of The Day the Earth Caught Data was a site-specific installation in the island of Tinos. It consisted of Google Earth satellite images of the area of Exobourgo in
Tinos and a screenshot of shared users’ photos in Google Street View Photosphere. The work brings attention to the prominence of the specific location and the
multiple references it carries through the traces of ancient ruins, religious symbols,
satellite antennas, and other human interventions and signals. The installation
simulates a sanctuary that has been created by the last remnants of humankind to
appease nature or perhaps to declare their presence there inscribing a final
imprint or even performing an ultimate attempt of communication.
The Day the Earth Caught Data unfolds in a series of several episodes that attempt to create fictional narratives about the end of the world, using different tourist locations. The material is from online sources, using primarily photos that the visitors share, developing in interactive installations.
The title is a reference to post-apocalyptic film “The Day the Earth Caught Fire” (1961) and each episode suggests dystopian scenarios, aftermaths of intense human presence and the constant use of digital media that accompanies it. A recent Guardian article wrote: “Sites are nothing more than the backdrop for our selfies” Constant surveillance practices on Earth’s surface, frequent use of mapping apps, as well as incessant sharing self-referential content online, compliments tourism’s already significant part in climate crisis. Is it then that the end of the world might come from our own visual representations in our effort to keep it alive and real?
Episode 1 of The Day the Earth Caught Data was a site-specific installation in the island of Tinos. It consisted of Google Earth satellite images of the area of Exobourgo in Tinos and a screenshot of shared users’ photos in Google Street View Photosphere. The work brings attention to the prominence of the specific location and the multiple references it carries through the traces of ancient ruins, religious symbols, satellite antennas, and other human interventions and signals. The installation simulates a sanctuary that has been created by the last remnants of humankind to appease nature or perhaps to declare their presence there inscribing a final imprint or even performing an ultimate attempt of communication.
