New Ruin, Gili Meno: entropic site as metaphor

Abstract

In this paper, theoretical examination of new ruin is complimented by epistemological findings garnered from a qualitative, site-specific research methodology. Chapter One examines the question of how a physically ruinous landscape might be depicted as metaphorical of broader, non-physical erosive forces, whether social, cultural or political. This query engages with aesthetic conceptualisations of new ruin in the writing of late-eighteenth century philosopher Denis Diderot and nineteenth century theorist George Simmel. I posit ruin as a point of aesthetic equilibrium between opposing forces of unity and disunity. Contemporary artists examined include Paris-born, United-States-based multimedia artist Cyprien Gaillard, and Singapore-born, Malay-Australian photomedia practitioner Simryn Gill, focusing in particular on the site-specific methodology employed by Gaillard in the video artwork Cities of Gold and Mirrors (2009). Chapter Two investigates ethnographic and art-historical precedents for artists working as foreigners, and describes my attempt to formulate an ethical research methodology in a foreign region. This chapter examines social, political and economic frameworks on Gili Meno, noting the pervasive impact of tourism. Epistemological account provides some description of social and cultural mores, economic conditions, linguistic mutabilities and gestalt. I posit visual arts practice as a mode of inquiry potentiating the re-consideration of cross-cultural and intra-national understandings, as well as posing a visual counterpoint to photopromiscuity in tourist regions.