The ongoing Confiscated Vagrant Vessel Series (2012-Present) examines ways historical truths can be sanitized to support an establishment perspective. In this project, the viewer is confronted with a technological barrier preventing them from directly accessing the drawings. If they can scan the QR tag on the access boards, they will be “granted access” to virtually engage with the historical artifacts. In this virtual environment, the viewer is offered awkwardly edited artwork and unsatisfying that are clearly omitting portions of the narrative.
In 2018 this project was part of the YOU NEVER KNOW HOW YOU LOOK THROUGH OTHER PEOPLE’S EYES exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Portland, Maine.
Historical Narrative for the Pear Act | Confiscated Vagrant Vessel Series
At the onset of 2536 CE, the search for the Antarctic Collective’s missing defense ship Golden Pear had intensified. The High Council initiated an emergency investigation into the Pear’s disappearance after the Navy lost contact with one of its most advanced ships on December 12th, 2535 CE, near Bouvet Island. The bitter partisan disagreements over where and how to focus their search efforts sparked a political firestorm within the Council. This lack of unity led to slow action, many false leads, and misleading assumptions about the Pear’s fate, stoking public anxiety over the countries’ security.
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Pear Act log entries on loan from the Rothera Historical Society
CONFISCATED VAGRANT VESSEL ACCESS BOARD
Scan the QR tag to access the Confiscated Vagrant Vessel log. Click the cards to enlarge. If you are unable to scan the tag, click the link below the board.
Confiscated Vagrant Vessel Log Art
In the Antarctic Collective Navy, it was tradition to employ artists to document the circumstance. The following are drawings made by witnesses observing evidence being collected under the Pear Act. Click the images to enlarge.

