State/ s of Emergency (Deep North - Transmediale. 09)

Invited to participate in Transmediale_09, Argos composed a screening programme reflecting on the festival’s overall-topic, Deep North : besides indicating a geographical direction, “Deep North” is also a powerful metaphor describing a state of paralysis in which an individual, a group or even a whole nation can find themselves as a result of being cut-off from the other(s). On a social and political level, the concept of ‘north’ is particularly interesting when it comes in reference to examples taken from recent history, such as the Cold War resulting in the Berlin Wall, and the long-term conflicts in the Middle East. Living under such extreme conditions undoubtedly affects human relationships: social and emotional bonds are gradually decomposing due to the unfriendly climate, provoking a state of emergency on at the level of the individual. By considering “Deep North” as a social metaphor, the works selected by Argos Centre for Arts and Media emphasize the urge for transformation; through the awakening of new ideas, significant power shifts, and the sharing of interests, the ice can finally melt away, both in private relationships and in the realm of public politics.