Fia Backström
Agency and the construction of subjectivity are explored in the work of Fia Backström, who plays with modes of political, corporate and pedagogical address.
25 - 31 May 2009, Upper Gallery
For her residency at the ICA Backström continued a series entitled Studies in Leadership. This latest instalment, The Golden Voice, addressed language as a motivational tool, excavating the tropes and tricks of public speaking. The residency featured a series of presentations and screenings set in a staged environment. These meetings provided the random building blocks for an end product of persuasive delivery.
The following daytime events occurred as part of Backström's residency:
Loretta Napoleoni
26 May 2009
Political and economic theorist Loretta Napoleoni joined Backström to discuss the themes of her residency.
Alan Woodhouse
28 May 2009
Voice and acting coach Alan Woodhouse led an investigation into how we can control our voices, and improve our speech making abilities.
Sea Oak by Emily Wardill
29 May 2009
Throughout the day, Backström presented Sea Oak, a 16mm film by artist Emily Wardill that runs without image, isolating the physical presence of the projector and the soundtrack of the film. This voiceover deals with ideas around contemporary political rhetoric, and the use of language by right-wing groups to co-opt progressive ideas.