Group Presentation: Joshua Mutton & Marlene Lees | Talking about the theme of ‘Power’
JM-So what is power? It became clear that we all had different approaches to exploring the theme of power. However as a group we wanted the exhibition to be relevant, something that would be engaging. The exhibition had a clear focus and we wanted it to be real, confronting reality. Shock and discomfort were the original intentions, however as the project grew and developed the delivery of our ideas became more subtle. ML-Josh and Ryan both focussed on oppression and about the abuse of power especially in modern day slavery. Oppression: a prolonged cruel or unjust treatment of exercised authority Modern day slavery exemplifies this theme, when people a forced into labor when the power is either taken from them or was never something that they possessed. The very nature of slavery means that someone has ownership and power over another person. So often in developing nations such as India people don't have the education or resources to reinstate their power as a human being. JM-This works to the advantage of politicians, in maintaining their power. Politics is instilled on society through the persona of a politician. Marlene is challenging this persona and in turn getting to grips with the politics itself. Meredith takes a different approach to the theme of political power by portraying a man who has imposed his power in a dictatorship. Idi Amin enforced his polices on a vulnerable and uneducated society. He demonstrated his power by driving fear into the population of Uganda. ML-Within society oppression is also felt through sexism, men are typically physically more powerful than women and therefore have the advantage. Gender roles are a controversial topic and stem from the physical dominance that males have. Women are therefore perceived as subordinate to men and Molly explores this power conflict between the male and female in certain cultures. Megan looks at power through Jewish and Christian cultures and how those religions effect women.
