Text by Jason Candler
in so many words is an 18 ½ hour time capsule of news radio, composed entirely of unedited sound bites, devoid of any newscasters, commentators, editorials or analysts (and is commercial free!). it sequentially covers the time period of the last Presidential Election, and the first hundred days of the Obama Presidency (May 12, 2008 to May 12, 2009). The edited result unfolds a mind-opening non sequitur narrative that informs you about the city, country, and world we live in, the scope of news reporting, the connections seemingly different stories have with each other, and how you relate to this reality. The longer you listen, the more the puzzle pieces fall into place.
to commemorate the 4 year anniversary of when i started the project, i have posted here the first month of the story, which covers May 12 – June 12, 2008. (listen to soundfile here)
an 8 hour excerpt will be exhibited at Figment NYC on Governor’s Island on June 9 and 10. there, listeners will be able to draw in large sketchbooks their reactions to the audio. please come out, have a listen, and share your discoveries …
future exhibitions (with collaborations in all art mediums) are in the works that will run the entire 18 1/2 hour program continuously until Election Day 2012 in surround sound. please contact me if you would like to help or contribute.
About Figment NYC
Event Details
June 9-10, 2012 Governors Island, NYC
What: FIGMENT is an explosion of creative energy. It’s a free, annual celebration of participatory art and culture where everything is possible. For one weekend each summer, it transforms Governors Island into a large-scale collaborative artwork – and then it’s gone.
When: Saturday, June 9 — 10AM – 6PM Sunday, June 10 — 10AM – 6PM
Where: Governors Island, NYC… a free, short ferry-ride from lower Manhattan and Brooklyn! Click here for directions.
How Much: FREE! FIGMENT is a free, non-profit event, and we do not accept corporate sponsorships.
What to Bring: Whatever you need for a day of fun. For specific ideas or if you have specific questions, view our list! Note: The event is rain-or-shine. If the forecast calls for rain, be prepared to hide – or dance – under porches, arches, and umbrellas while the clouds pass.
What to Expect: Art and activities in every medium available… especially the art and activities that YOU bring! Feel free to see a full schedule of all the 2012 artwork and activities. In addition, we invite iPhone users to install the FIGMENT iPhone App – which you can download for free from the App Store.
FIGMENT Reminders: To make sure you and all other visitors have a fun and safe experience, please keep the following in mind: 1 It is NOT SAFE to CLIMB the art 2 YOUR child = YOUR responsibility 3 TREAT the art like it was your HOME 4 It is NEVER “just you” doing it! 5 THINK before you ACT 6 Make the art look even BETTER for the NEXT VISITOR
How to Help: We invite people to sign up to volunteer to help at the event, and sign up for our email list for continued opportunities to help out throughout the year.
If you enjoy your experiences at FIGMENT, please make a donation to help us in 2012!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
LEAVE NO TRACE: We adhere to a “Leave No Trace” ethic, and ask you to do the same. If you bring it with you, either bring it back or make sure it gets into a trash receptacle.
NO TRANSACTIONS: One of our goals is to create a social and creative experience uninterrupted by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising. FIGMENT does not sell anything on the Island, and does not allow commerce of any kind.
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEO: Your photos can help us promote and fundraise for FIGMENT next year! Please tag your Flickr photos and YouTube videos as “FIGMENTNYC2012″ or send links to NYCcommunications@figmentproject.org. Full credit will be given each time your work is used.
PROJECT SUBMISSIONS: Submissions for our 2012 NYC event are closed. If you have not submitted your project, we still invite you to bring it! However, it will not appear on any maps or schedules, and it must be able to be carried or wheeled onto the site without a vehicle, and cannot use power from the site. If you have any questions, please contact us. If you are an artist and have submitted your project, many of your questions may be answered on our Artist FAQ page.
