The work studies the translocal complexities embodied in experiences of migration and transition, while tracing everyday routines at home and in the streets of Barcelona. Starting with an inward-looking and personal perspective, the work slowly provides more context to the realities of Barcelona, asking questions not only about the personal migration journey, but also questioning attitudes towards a migrant ‘other’.
Even though the suite follows a narrative of a day in Barcelona, it was informed by other places, such as Singapore and Mae Sot. Incorporating video and audio elements from several places is intended to surprise the viewer, causing them to question the narrative presented by the protagonist – does this narrative present a physical place or are memories of past experiences distorting the representation of place?
The work alludes to these instances of translocal influence through imagery and sound, sometimes making visible (or audible) the overlapping place-times that informed the narrative. The combination of text, aural and visual elements enabled the exploration of translocal layers of experience (through experimenting with the juxtaposition of image and sound, for example) while the text ostensibly follows the narrator through Barcelona’s streets. Sense of place is vital to this work, which explores the way past experiences influence the way we see our current localities.
Screenings:
- The videopoem suite premiered at On the Move Poetry Festival in Canberra, Australia
- Screening at Tranås at the Fringe – International Arts Festival, Tranås, Sweden
Claire Rosslyn Wilson 