Disassembler (2018)
Vertical HD Video with Sound, 4:30 min
Commissioned by Pioneer Works, Brooklyn and co-produced by The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST), Athens, Greece.
A disassembler is a reverse engineering tool, a computer program that translates machine language (code) into assembly language for humans to understand. The Disassembler video presents technical instructions along with experiences from the organic world. Visually, the video shows a series of photomontages, animations, sculptures and portraits created with natural materials, organic elements, animal parts, earth constructions, etc. The audio part of the video is composed by the technical specifications of a newly patented wristband for Amazon’s warehouse workers. The wristband is designed to control and monitor every movement of the worker’s hands for optimized performance. With the juxtaposition of these disparate sources, The Disassembler raises questions about the physical and psychological impact that the automated industry exerts on the human body and society. Finally, it confronts a post-automated experience, where bodies and gestures return to an organic, experiential world.
Installation view. Disassembler. Maria Antelman. Pioneer Works, New York, December 6, 2018 – February 8, 2019. © Dan Bradica
