Week 2- Sketchup Model
  

Pure War

PAUL VIRILIO 1997

“A MUTATED FORM OF WAR THAT EXISTS IN A PURE STATE OF PERMANENT PREPARATION FOR AND ANTICIPATION OF ACTUAL WARFARE.” CROGAN

Through Paul Virilio’s concept of Pure War I have chosen to engage this model. It is Virilio’s obsession with war surrounding us with which I wish to explore. He makes the case that there is great fear of the instantaneous, and that we will all be moving passengers in transit, no longer citizens. His fear is that we are heading for a place where all places will be in the same space and fabric of war.

The Sketch up Model is a labyrinth box where the occupant starts trapped inside. Small opening’s and pathways lead out to the real world however this is just the start to my grander instillation. The Model represents war as a terrifying place; a struggle for the player. Torment is created as the player realises you cannot be free until the desired path is found. A barrier to the outside world the correct path is not always visible just like the events of war can never be foreseen. The light coming out of the model represents the way light would shine in, as light becomes a directive force to freedom.

THE IDEA 

The Subject is always placed within the walls of the structure and Journeys out of the box. Inside is dark and little can be seen.   As you get closer to surroundings walls proximity triggers will cast dim lights as well as the walls of the structure becoming transparent. There structure therefore becomes more visible and coherent to light. Motion of the player is then driven to follow the wall around as they can see alternate paths behind the wall but no opening.  Torment and suspense is created just like the state of war where nothing can be expected, predicted or controlled. 

This instillation also Relates to my real world sensor as light directs motion. I will however have to incorporate the rest of the map such as by using light to direct the player around, through different colour lights for moods that spark a specific direction perhaps. In search for freedom out of the Quarry the player will notice various parts of the map destructing, and objects may fly or cause him to change direction. Light is always the guiding path, until absolute freedom is reached when the player reaches the boundary of the map looking out to the mountain ranges. 

This is where Virilio’s concept of Pure War is challenged making a bold statement at the end of my documentary as a peaceful sanctuary always awaits those who are strong enough to escape their fears.