The Observatory Archives

The Observatory Archives

Production country: 
es
Edition: 
2004
Format: 
installation

Archivos Babilonia is a media archaeology project that collects and compiles material from the dark side of our civilisation: audiovisual educational and commercial material generating the American Dream, early television advertising, promotional material from military, pharmaceutical and genetics industries, corporate publicity and global propaganda... Many of these audiovisual documents were not produced to last, but rather to fulfil specific functions at a particular time: training, publicity, etc... This is why, when they are taken out of the context of their time or intended use, their meaning is revealed with surprising clarity even to those used to the constant publicity aimed at consumers. The result is a disturbing catalogue of intentions, aims, and the means used to achieve them. The Observatory Archives are structured around particular themes and aim to encourage a critique of contemporary culture. Past themes include: identity versus media (1997-1998), community (2001), globalisation (2002). In the 10years since its foundation, OVNI has acquired more than 700 documents and works for the Observatory Archives.

share

Related participants: