{"id":11285,"date":"2020-03-20T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-19T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/the-battle-between-the-drone-and-the-kite\/"},"modified":"2020-12-09T11:43:40","modified_gmt":"2020-12-09T10:43:40","slug":"the-battle-between-the-drone-and-the-kite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/the-battle-between-the-drone-and-the-kite\/","title":{"rendered":"The Battle Between the Drone and the Kite"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11286,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"project":[451,506,452],"project_type":[725,732],"class_list":["post-11285","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","project-web-residencies","project-calls-2019","project-violent-consumer-media","project_type-formats","project_type-interview"],"acf":{"bgcolor":"","bgcolor_custom":"","custom_color_css_variable":"","content_type":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content_txt","acfe_flexible_layout_title":"Text","bgcolor":"","bgcolor_custom":"","layout_col_size":8,"txt_cols":"is-1-txtcol","txt":"The war on the border between Gaza and Israel is one of man and machine, a story that the artist Ronnie Karfiol portrays with her work \u00bb1001 Drone Nights<\/a>\u00ab for the web residencies by Solitude & ZKM on the topic \u00bbViolent Consumer Media<\/a>\u00ab curated by Dani Ploeger. The artist reflects on the culture and society that attracts people to participate in the \u00bbmaker\u00ab war play, in which homemade kites fight against drones. In our interview with the artist we talk about gamification as a means to represent violence and how the web residency project at first appears to be an orchestrated battlefield, but actually is an invitation is to take a critical look at this \u00bbmaker\u00ab battlefield.<\/span>\r\n

Schlosspost:<\/strong> What interested you in applying for the Web Residency \u00bbViolent Consumer Media\u00ab curated by Dani Ploeger? <\/span><\/p>\r\n

Ronnie Karfiol:<\/strong> I was intrigued by this call because Dani\u2019s wording of this topic sounded much like the artistic research I was working on since the end of 2018. Specifically, both the role of the maker movement, which leads to weapons\u2019 production, as well as the aspect of the aesthetic representation of a battle as it is being broadcasted on the media are aspects which I was very interested in and felt like I could develop in this project if I will be chosen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\r\n

\u00bbI can say that as a local who grew up in Israel, I am quite familiar with the history of the clashes in this region. However, in this case, I noticed a very strange and different \u00bbtrend\u00ab in the direction and participants of the war play: the culture and society that pulls people to participate in this \u00bbmaker\u00ab way.\u00ab<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n

SP:<\/strong> With your proposal 1001 Drone Nights<\/i> you refer to the war between drones and kites on the border between Gaza Strip and Israel. Can you share your interest in focusing on this particular battle? <\/span><\/p>\r\n

RK:<\/strong> In the beginning, my interest was aesthetic. I was seeing some screenshots of a video depicting the battle between the drone and the kite and was immediately drawn to these surreal images. Then, these battles became recurrent and I started to follow their depictions on news media outlets more closely, also paying attention to questions like <\/span>\u2013 <\/span>who creates these semi-autonomous weapons? Why do they choose to do it in a DIY manner? What is the reasoning behind using drones to combat kites and\/or balloons? Moreover, I can say that as a local who grew up in Israel, I am quite familiar with the history of the clashes in this region. However, in this case, I noticed a very strange and different \u00bbtrend\u00ab in the direction and participants of the war play, one that demands both a closer look at the details and a broader look \u2013 on the culture and society that pulls people to participate in this \u00bbmaker\u00ab way.<\/span><\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_img","acfe_flexible_layout_title":"Bild(er)","bgcolor":"","bgcolor_custom":"","layout_col_size":6,"img_gallery":false,"img":[22307],"img_gallery_format":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_txt","acfe_flexible_layout_title":"Text","bgcolor":"","bgcolor_custom":"","layout_col_size":8,"txt_cols":"is-1-txtcol","txt":"

SP:<\/strong> How do you refer to the current battle with your work and what role does the gamification of this battle play within the context of your project and research?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

RK:<\/strong> With my work, because my first pull was towards the aesthetics of this battle play, and because I mainly work with digital media, I had decided to \u00bbplay\u00ab with the weapons in my computer, specifically in 3D. For this, I turned to my computer to model and recreate them. Then, I was somehow constantly frustrated with the blurry images the news media outlets broadcasted. So, I had decided to recreate this battle myself, while allowing some artistic freedom to elaborate on the choreography of the drone and kite. On the media, I saw both depiction that were shot from what I\u2019d call a <\/span>First Person Shooter<\/strong> viewpoint (mainly from a drone carrying a camera) and a <\/span>Third Person Shooter<\/strong> viewpoint (mainly from a camera aimed at the skies and documenting). I concluded that I\u2019d rather recreate the battle from a Third Person viewpoint, because it gives the viewer some \u00bbspace\u00ab and so one doesn\u2019t immediately identify with one side or the other. Also, aesthetically, it allows the viewer to watch for a far more elaborate dynamics between the drone and the kite unfold.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\r\n

\u00bbIn my project, the users will find themselves \u00bbadding\u00ab or \u00bbcontributing\u00ab to the war machine almost unbeknownst. In a sense, this is also a reflection of how we add or contribute to machines in our world today.\u00ab<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\nSP:<\/strong> The work is set up as an online space, and has a focus on the gaze of machines. Where the viewer or player almost becomes part of the machine, can you tell us more about the gaze and how this comes to expression in the work?\r\n\r\nRK:<\/strong> I think there is a lot to say about this gaze which rules our world more and more everyday. We would like to think this gaze is neutral; but of course it isn\u2019t. Every machine gaze is developed by humans after all; they design the technology and they write the code, ultimately. There is a lot of critique around AI, for example, because it has been proved there are malicious biases surrounding race, gender, etc. However, my take on that is usually more emotional. I like to use the machine gaze in an imperfect manner and connect the human to the machine. In my project, the users will find themselves \u00bbadding\u00ab or \u00bbcontributing\u00ab to the war machine almost unbeknownst. In a sense, this is also a reflection of how we add or contribute to machines in our world today."},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_img","acfe_flexible_layout_title":"Bild(er)","bgcolor":"","bgcolor_custom":"","layout_col_size":6,"img_gallery":false,"img":[22309],"img_gallery_format":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_txt","acfe_flexible_layout_title":"Text","bgcolor":"","bgcolor_custom":"","layout_col_size":8,"txt_cols":"is-1-txtcol","txt":"

SP:<\/strong> What can we find in the online space, and how can the user navigate it?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

RK:<\/strong> In the online space you can find first a video animation depicting the battle. Each time you enter the online space, the video shown will switch. Then, you can choose to participate and \u00bbchoose a weapon.\u00ab This will open a menu showing both drone and kite. After you make up your mind and choose one, you can download both the model itself \u2013 a 3D ready-for-print model, as well as the make\/use instructions. But keep your eyes open and your toes ready, because something strange might happen after that \u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

SP:<\/strong> You create several animations of DIY drones. What are the different possibilities and how does this affect the battlefield?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

RK:<\/strong> One possibility is that the kite can overpower the drone \u2013 although the drone\u2019s technology seems superior to that of the kite, in actuality sometimes the kite gathers more power in the situation by making use of the wind\u2019s direction and speed and so its elaborate shape manages to entangle the drone. Another possibility is that the drone might overcome the kite and force it down. Yet another possibility, my favorite one actually, is that there is no classic, definite \u00bbwinner\u00ab in this situation, as both drone and kite become so enmeshed and entangled that there is no <\/span>clear cut<\/strong> to this battle. To me, this possibility highlights the infectivity of war itself, as well as the shared history of the drone and the kite.<\/span><\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_img","acfe_flexible_layout_title":"Bild(er)","bgcolor":"","bgcolor_custom":"","layout_col_size":6,"img_gallery":false,"img":[22314],"img_gallery_format":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_txt","acfe_flexible_layout_title":"Text","bgcolor":"","bgcolor_custom":"","layout_col_size":8,"txt_cols":"is-1-txtcol","txt":"

SP:<\/strong> Now with the development of new weapons technology, also wars become so embedded in everyday life, which you quoted in your proposal by Paul Virilio as \u00bbPure War.\u00ab Can you elaborate on this?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

RK: <\/strong>In short, I understand Virilio is pointing to the fact that we as human society both have the tendency to want to distance ourselves from war \u2013 so by using technology, like drone fighting, we can achieve that, while also needing to sustain the ecosystem producing these distancing war technologies economically. This, quite naturally, leads to the society relying more and more on the production of these technologies (whereas they also start to serve different goals other than fighting (\u2026)<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\r\n

\u00bbI believe the animations may seem quite abstract to the viewer who does not know this specific conflict, however I hope that they will develop some \u00bbemotional hook\u00ab depending on the video\u2019s outcome.\u00ab<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n

SP:<\/strong> What role do games play in the representations of violence? <\/span><\/p>\r\n

RK:<\/strong> I believe games play a role first and foremost even in the conceptualization of violence itself. For example, I believe that as people become more and more fascinated by war games, they can adopt the same \u00bbvirtual\u00ab mindset to view war in real life through the same lens. Meaning, if one is so used to launch attacks against strangers\u2019 avatars in Fortnite, one can also find it easier to attack an unknown other by using a semi-autonomous weapon, like a drone or a kite. It even becomes something you want to get addicted to or get good at. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

SP:<\/strong> How would you like your Web Residency project being used, and what effect can it ultimately have on the user? <\/span><\/p>\r\n

RK:<\/strong> I view the project as two parts that make a whole. The first is the somewhat passive part: viewing the animations, which are drawn randomly. I believe the animations may seem quite abstract to the viewer who does not know this specific conflict, however I hope that they will develop some \u00bbemotional hook\u00ab depending on the video\u2019s outcome. Or maybe they will simply get intrigued \u2013 why is this drone fighting a kite? What are they doing, is it a dance? Is it orchestrated sky magic? Then comes the second part, which I deem the active part. By seeing the option to choose a weapon, the viewer ultimately becomes a user, and needs to make a decision which weapon to choose. Then, ultimately, of course I wish that at least some users will try to print the model, or at least read the instruction manuals. In this way, I let them reverse-engineer the actual contemporary political\/technological topic at play here. In any case, I have decided it is better this way, than stating early on what the real thing going on behind this project is. I want them to play, and think critically about things as they unfold. <\/span>Finally, there will be a postscript explaining the background and history behind all of this project, which I hope some people will take the time to read.<\/p>\r\nThe interview was conducted by Sarie Nijboer.<\/em>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_cta","acfe_flexible_layout_title":"Link \/ Call-to-Action","bgcolor":"has-bg-blue","bgcolor_custom":"","layout_col_size":8,"cta_link":{"type":"url","value":"http:\/\/dronenights.schloss-post.com","title":"","target":"0"},"cta_txt":"1001 Drone Nights by Ronnie Karfiol","cta_button_txt":"VISIT THE PROJECT"}],"intro_preview_headline":"Interview with Ronnie Karfiol","intro_preview_txt":"In our interview with the artist we talk about gamification as a means to represent violence and how the web residency project at first appears to be an orchestrated battlefield, but actually is an invitation is to take a critical look at this \u00bbmaker\u00ab battlefield.<\/span>","intro_preview_img":11286,"post_id_old":"37431","post_author":"","post_subtitle":"Interview with Ronnie Karfiol","post_preview_img_hide_on_single":false,"post_txt_old":"","post_pdf":null,"post_copyright":"ccl_default","translated_post":false,"translations":null,"post_copyright_individual":"","post_related_posts":[11363,11305,11396],"related_posts_post":[9475,7101]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11285","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11285"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11285\/revisions"}],"acf:post":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/person\/7101"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/person\/9475"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11396"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11305"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11363"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11286"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11285"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"project","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/project?post=11285"},{"taxonomy":"project_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akademie-solitude.de\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/project_type?post=11285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}