project:rendition was a collaborative project that incorporated elements of installation, printed agitprop, audio, and performance into an interactive environment. The project was produced by JC2, a collective comprised of artists Joy Episalla, Joy Garnett, Carrie Moyer and Carrie Yamaoka. The exhibition took place at Momenta Art from May 25 - June 25, 2007.
project:rendition used the en-actment of “rendering“ as a means of examining current military policies that have been hidden from public view. In the parlance of the Bush Administration’s war on terror, the term “extraordinary rendition” refers to the practice of clandestine kidnapping and extradition of suspected terrorists to countries where they can be interrogated and tortured beyond the reach of the United States judicial system.
The centerpiece of project:rendition was a tall, five-sided structure made entirely of mirrored panels and functioned as an inverted Panopticon, or surveillance tower. Upon entering the the “pod,” would-be voyeurs instantly became became specimens to be observed, able to see only their own reflections multiplied endlessly in the one-way mirrors. Alternately, visitors could choose to stay outside in the “safety” of the darkened gallery and watch other audience members subject themselves to the brightly-lit pod.
As installation, project:rendition invoked a theatrical space that alternated or reversed roles of spectatorship and performance. JC2 invited musicians, artists and writers to give readings and performances in the space throughout the duration of the exhibition.