Jane Chang Mi: ゴジラ /ɡɒdˈzɪlə/

About

On March 1, 1954, Daigo Fukuryū Maru (Lucky Dragon Five), a Japanese fishing boat, was contaminated by nuclear fallout as a result of the United States’ thermonuclear test, Castle Bravo, in Bikini Atoll.

The first ゴジラ movie was released in November 1954, as a direct response to this incident, as well as, the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The kaiju (monsters) are a metaphor for nuclear weapons, the American militarization of the Pacific, and environmental disaster. In total, 32 Japanese films were made by Toho Co., Ltd.

ゴジラ/ɡɒdˈzɪlə/ (2020) is a 96-minute single-channel video that layers all 32 films simultaneously, but with all scenes involving monsters and humans removed. This erasure mirrors the United States’ policies and actions as a settler and colonial nation, leaving a wake of destruction in both the film and reality. We are the monsters and the monsters are us.

Please note: Screenings are on Thursdays and Fridays, beginning at 7pm, September 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18th. Viewers should bring their own headphones and phones to live stream the soundtrack to the installation.

Venue Note: It is in a driveway behind the parking lot entrance on Bunker Hill.

Website / Instagram

Image Credit: Jane Chang Mi ゴジラ /ɡɒdˈzɪlə/ (2020) - Still

• Posted in ADA accessible, outdoor, solo exhibition, video/film
• Tagged Jane Chang Mi, Chinatown