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This publication focuses on a single work of art: 5000 Feet is the Best (2011) by artist Omer Fast. With this cinematic video work, Fast has entered into a discussion about one of the most pressing issues today, namely drone surveillance and warfare; the use of unmanned planes operated by “pilots” on the ground. Produced to accompany exhibitions of Fast’s work at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter (HOK) in Oslo (9 February – 6 May, 2012) and at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery in Toronto (15 September– 25 November, 2012), this publication aims to bridge the gap between a critical reader and an artist book. Although the respective exhibitions include additional works by Fast, the examination of this single work allows not only for a consideration of his broader practice, but also an extensive examination of the subject of the work. Informed by Fast’s layering of narrative and documentary material, this book compiles critical analyses of his film by art historians Liz Kotz and TJ Demos, an article on drones reprinted from the journal Foreign Policy, as well as the artist’s research and script materials set alongside film stills. Additionally, an email thread of responses from Jennifer Allen, Karen Brown, Céline Condorelli, Christopher Cox, Simon Critchely, Am Johal, Tom McCarthy, Marit Paasche, Kristina Lee Podesva, Joshua Simon, and Ed Steck, engage in a range of issues pertaining to drone warfare, opening the conversation into a forum on politics, ethics, aesthetics, and human experience.
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Author(s): Am Johal, Céline Condorelli, Christoph Cox, David Rohde, Ed Steck, Jennifer Allen, Joshua Simon, Karen Brown, Kristina Lee Podesva, Liz Kotz , Marit Paasche, Melanie O'Brian, Milena Hoegsberg , Omer Fast, Simon Chritchley, TJ Demos, Tom McCarthy
Publisher: Henie Onstad Kunstsenter (HOK), The Power Plant, and Sternberg Press
Year: 2012
Pages: 128
Illustrations: Colour
The Power Plant is Canada's leading art gallery devoted exclusively to contemporary art by artists from Canada and the world. We aim to share art with wider audiences through free admission to our exhibitions, public programs, and educational publications.