‘island’
Conceptual proposal
is·land n.
1. A land mass, especially one smaller than a continent, entirely surrounded by water.
2. Something resembling an island, especially in being isolated or surrounded
3. Anatomy. A cluster of cells differing in structure or function from the cells constituting the surrounding tissue.
When thinking of the context of an island one can refer to many aspects and disciplines. Not only is an island a physical part of our world, it is also part of our (Western) cultural past, a part of our literary traditions, as well as a concept to be found in our present post-modern utterances. Robinson Crusoe is probably one of the first connotations that come to mind when thinking up applications to the term island. This work by Daniel Defoe is considered one of the first modern works of literature because of the change in scale, the altering of global perspective that it provided: man stranded on an island so isolated that the rest of the world cannot find him. The exoticism contained in this idea of separation is but one of many other cultural endeavors incorporating this theme, either thereby reflecting upon the present day reality (as a criticism or analysis) or indulging into its air of fantasy and mystery (as a form of escape): Gulliver's Travels, Ulysses, Papillon, King Kong and even present day mass-entertainment like Expeditie Robinson and Big Brother. But the concept of an island is not only thematic, it is also political. Because of its inherent quality of separation, its boundaries and borders are always a principal aspect of its constitution. This reveals connotations of power and jurisdiction: Cyprus, Peterselie island, Alcatraz, Hispanola (Haiti & Santo Domingo) and the Falkan Islands.
For the exhibition in Outline the idea/concept of island will be incorporated in order to establish collaboration between the members of our group. This does not necessarily mean that the idea of an island insures that our works suddenly fit together as an exhibition or that we have to work together like the Swiss Family Robinson. Because our group concept refers the relationship between communities and sub-communities, active/dominant and subordinate elements, and the fact that we have never worked together as a group, the island is a premise in which the factors can come into play. Consider the Outline gallery itself (or even our work) as the boundaries of a temporary Translocation island where the elements or inherent aspects of island come into play.
What makes an island and what form can this be given?
translocation@groups.msn.com'Translocation' Concept
Every year new boundaries are set. New countries, groups, revolutions and trends rise up while others fall, creating a collection of circumstances in which the migration of people takes place. People travel taking their ideologies with them, creating networks of communication between different cultures.
To take a closer look at the effects and influences of these movements, implies that one has to analyze the result of the movement, i.e. when a destination has been reached. So if the word 'travel' is the denomination of the movement between places, another word is needed for the condition that exists because of travel. In this text, 'TRANSLOCATION' will refer to that condition.
Seven years ago a small community was formed in Den Haag by a group of artists with different nationalities and backgrounds. They had traveled to Den Haag to study at the art academy, and shared nothing between them more than an interest in art, limited financial resources and the direct experience of translocation.
The kinship that developed between members of this group proved a strong alternative to finding a connection to the dominant 'Dutch' culture. In fact, the community functioned much like a subculture, in the sense that it in many ways placed itself outside of the dominant culture, while being unequivocally part of it. More specifically: the position of the group rests within the larger, dominant community, regardless that it may have been developed as a response to it.
As a micro 'society' this group of friends has gone through developments as well. It has matured through the years, personal experiences have intensified relations, members have been gained and lost, and it has remained in constant reconsideration of the validity of its existence.
In retrospect, the effects of translocation on this group could be assimilated into two variable levels:
Individually, people have had to deal personally with the challenges that translocation presented them with. Former habitats and traditions had to be given up, culture gaps had to be bridged, old friends became distant friends and acceptance into the new community did not always happen as a matter of course. In some cases the problems of naturalization even took on dramatic proportions, for example when culture shock or immigration policies interfered with private lives.
The second effect is the relationship between the 'host' society and the newly arrived individuals. Those who are by origin strangers can, by definition, lay a smaller claim on their standing in society; they are, so to speak, always second in line of inheritance. Conversely, precisely because of their independence from local traditions and history, strangers are ascribed 'special' qualities, stemming from their unusual backgrounds and experiences.
Each individual's experience of their translocation, leaves an impression, physically and psychologically, which influences their political and sociological points of view, as well as manifesting itself in their art. Ultimately a reaction to these impressions can be expected, whether on an individual or communal basis, eventually manifesting itself into society as a whole.
The group of artists that has been described lends itself perfectly for a dissection of the phenomenon of translocation. This specific environment, with its capacity to reveal the issues and effects of translocation, could offer a new perspective on parallel movements in society.
Today, the multi-cultural society, highly advanced forms of communication and technology, capitalist trade and the forming of new political and economic liaisons are shaping cultures and nations. It is therefore more important than ever to determine the circumstances and effects of translocation.
