Sound Taxonomy, Video projection, postit notes, and sharpies

Words for a President Elect is a commentary on current affairs regarding the US election utilizing sound taxonomy. The work juxtaposes sound bites from Donald Trump against images of recent, local and national, anti-Trump protests projected onto post-its with messages and thoughts of the ordeal placed by its audience.

Within Trump’s rhetoric, he uses many classification of hate and who that hate is directed towards. There is also a loose connection to taxonomy regarding the interactive portion of the work to showcase and quantify the feelings and expressions of the public. Beyond the audio of Trump’s speeches and sound bites, the background is filled with the noise from an apartment heater turning on and blowing hot air. This work can virtually be placed anywhere in the world. However, it makes sense to be shown within the United States while there is still turmoil around the recent election. Although a gallery setting is typically ideal, the piece would be more poignant to be affixed to a protest or demonstration. Projected onto building walls with the emotion and messages from anyone in the area. The interactive portion of this work is not meant to be complete downtrodden on the president elect. However, it is meant to be a voice of the people in which he is to set out and govern in the foreseeable future.

Out of all the hate rhetoric thrown around, we must now find a way to heal a nation well divided. This work is meant to have a part in that healing process. It can be cathartic to be part of the process and leave one’s words. As a nation, we must not allow Trump to stoke the fire of hate from his presidency. Instead we must show solidarity with all people, of all races, of all faiths, and of all genders. We must stand for those that cannot stand for themselves lest we be the ones who can no longer stand. We must take a peaceful stand against those emboldened by Trump’s words in order to remain a free nation. The aim of this work is to help be the voice of anyone, anywhere.