Art and Antarctica

[Anonymous]

Hi–I’m a Boston artist new to this forum. For a long time I’ve been thinking about ways making some interactive art about Antarctica, something that could really involve the community that lives there. Can’t all communities can use some art?. I’m not quite sure what the work should be or where to begin, but this seems like a good place to find out whats important.

Could anyone who has lived in Antarctica or is living there now give me some idea of what life is like there in general? How would you qualitatively describe living there? What are things you like about being there or hate? What are social relationships like in this community?

I know these are some pretty general and boring questions–but hey I need to start somewhere!

[Sciencetech]

@Hannah wrote:

Could anyone who has lived in Antarctica or is living there now give me some idea of what life is like there in general? How would you qualitatively describe living there? What are things you like about being there or hate? What are social relationships like in this community?

Wow, these are some pretty open-ended questions. I’m hoping some of the other regulars on this board will chime in– you’ll get different answers from everybody.

I’ll give you my take on it all… Imagine a small trade school in the middle of spectacular nowhere. Add some heavy machinery, exotic snow vehicles, a few planes or a ship, and some big diesel generators to power it all. Now mix in some scientists, cooks, mechanics, carpenters, a doctor, and a selection of 20-or-30-somethings who will move cargo or wash dishes for a bit of adventure. Now frost it all with some really crappy weather and a sprinkling of hi-tech gizmos. Shake well. Serve cold.

Hopefully it will taste like meaningful science, but more often than not what you get is logistical stew with some political chunks floating around.

Still, what keeps us at the table again and again is art of baking it, not necessarily the results. It’s different, it’s sometimes fun, and there’s some really amazing people here who can build an aircraft carrier out of a tuna can and keep you laughing while they’re doing it. Relationships can be difficult in such a confined area, but if nothing else it’s never boring.

And there are some incredible artists down here too, so the community(s) are very receptive to art projects and anything creative.

g

[Anonymous]

How would you qualitatively describe living there? What are things you like about being there or hate? What are social relationships like in this community?

For me, it isn’t so much the place as the people. I love the mixed up group that we get here. That is why I refer to Ross Island as the Isle of Misfit Toys. There is a definite bond between the people who live here. There really isn’t anything like it in the states. You are free to do things here that you would never think to attempt anywhere else (ex: shave head, dye hair blue). The outrageous is the norm here. I once showed up at the bar in a full length, strapless, red satin gown during a storm and the only person who made a comment was brand new. That is why I love it. We may seem outside the social norms but we are good people.

[Author]

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