Dr Dani Ploeger’s Installation Piece 'Assault' Is Shortlisted for a 2016 Celeste Prize
Congratulations to Research Fellow Dr Dani Ploeger, whose installation artwork Assault has been shortlisted for a 2016 Celeste Prize.
Work on Assault began in February 2016, when Dr Ploeger fired an AK47 at an iPad. A high frame-rate video and a sound recording were made of the bullet hitting the screen. The resultant installation consists of a functioning iPad which plays the video and sound of the destruction of the screen of the shot device. Subsequently, the recordings are played backwards in slow-motion. The sequence is repeated; thus the iPad shows an endless process of its own destruction and regeneration.
Of Assault, Dr Ploeger explained:
“Over the past few decades, Western warfare endeavours have increasingly become understood as clean or hidden affairs, conducted with hi-tech surveillance and slick computer game-like technologies, controlling drones and laser-guided precision missiles. However, with the recent terror attacks in Belgium and France, terrorists and security forces in military attire and armed with automatic weapons have brought back the fearful image of traditional battlefield conflict to the heart of hi-tech consumer culture. In Assault, the conflicting ideas of clean (consumer) technology and dirty battlefield warfare are brought to a material collision.”
Celeste Prize is an international contemporary arts prize which every year awards 23,000 € and rewarding benefits to emerging and mid-career artists. Work submitted must contain an exciting and profound mix of contemporary perspectives and a creative use of artistic languages. 53 finalist works and projects were chosen by a jury of top art curators and critics, led by Ellen Blumenstein, director of KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin. Prizes are awarded according to voting by the 53 finalist artists themselves at the final exhibition in London.
Finalists’ work will be exhibited at London’s Bargehouse at the OXO Tower Wharf from 7 – 9 October, 2016. Winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on Friday, 7 October at 6.30 pm