DESTROY ME BABY ONE MORE TIME (2020)
2-Channel video installation, 35min. Size: variable
This video work offers a thought-provoking exploration of the symbiotic relationship between pop culture and terrorism, examining how both thrive within the controlled space of modern media. The piece interrogates the ways in which these two cultural phenomena—seemingly worlds apart—derive their power from the emotional and theatrical elements meticulously curated by media platforms. The effectiveness of both pop culture and terrorism lies in their ability to captivate and manipulate the viewer's imagination, with visuals, hysteria, and drama becoming integral to the machinery of mass media.
The installation itself features two vertical plasma screens, standing side by side to evoke the image of the Twin Towers—an implicit reference to the tragic events of 9/11. This architectural reference heightens the tension between the contrasting icons, Britney Spears and Osama Bin Laden, whose radical depictions represent two polarities of desire and fear, amplified through their media presence. The vertical screens not only display these figures, but also reinforce the cyclical nature of consumption, trauma, and spectacle, creating a visceral connection to the historical moment that continues to shape contemporary cultural and political landscapes.
By challenging viewers to reconsider the media’s influence on our imagination, this work invites a deeper dialogue about the construction of cultural memory and the role of visual media in perpetuating cycles of consumption, fear, and desire. Perfect for exhibitions or collections focused on contemporary media, power structures, and the intersection of culture and politics, this piece encourages reflection on the impact of visual media in shaping societal narratives.
SCREENING LINK UPON REQUEST