-
Jonas Johnson posted an update
I have been thinking a lot about the “ecologies of militarism”—particularly as it is weaponized in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. I’ve always loved Forensic Architecture’s detailed exposés and the way they make use of 3D design, satellite imaging, and machine learning. I wanted to share this investigation of ecocide in the wake of the IDF ground invasion, the implications of which are harrowing. https://forensic-architecture.org/investigation/ecocide-in-gaza
Kristine Roome, Anand Pandian and 3 others5 Comments-
“Ecologies of militarism” as a conceptual frame also draws attention to the global interconnectedness of the capitalist and geopolitical interests that conspire to destroy our environment, push weapons of war, and restrict civilian dissent in the name of “security.” The first time I saw one of FA’s investigations was at the Whitney Biennale in 2019, where their “Triple Chaser” video installation lead to intense protest surrounding then-museum-board-member Warren Kanders and his defense company. It has been incredibly inspiring to see faculty, students, and community members at Hopkins and other campuses across the world tracing these connections in their calls for divestment and demilitarization of college campuses. But the last few weeks have also revealed the exceptionally entrenched nature of these interests. Here’s to hoping that these critical inflection points build solidarity and endurance for the struggles ahead— https://forensic-architecture.org/investigation/triple-chaser
2 -
This is such a brilliant post, thanks so much for this— gathering some ideas and will write back
-
Goof stuff Jonas. I have nothing to add beyond affirmation except to say that the Weizman piece that first blew me away comes from 2006, in which he details how Israeli military officers drew extensively on the philosophy of delueze and guattari in thousand plateaus to formulate their counterinsurgency plans in Ramallah. Basically the idea was to make the area “smooth space” by just bulldozing through homes wherever they liked (rather than get caught in the “striated space” of alleys or streets, and by extension the codes of international law around warfare). Ecologically devastated landscapes are also a kind of “smooth space,” aren’t they.
1-
@Michael Degani woah I hadn’t read this!!! Talk about a crazy reterritorialization…
-
-
Oh, I saw FA’s work at the Bienale that year too!
Along those lines, you might want to take a look at this work by artist Mary Mattingly – who we recently hosted for a conversation and Q&A on EcoArts:
https://marymattingly.com/blogs/portfolio/2018-what-happens-after
-