Μέρος της πολυμεσικής εγκατάστασης Δίκτυα Εμπιστοσύνης, αυτό το αφηγηματικό ποίημα ενσωματώνει στοιχεία από την παλαιοντολογία, την αρχαιολογία, τη γεωλογία και τη βιολογία. Στο ποίημα, ένα απολίθωμα νάνου ελέφαντα Elephas tiliensis -o τελευταίος ενδημικός ελέφαντας στην Ευρώπη και τη Μεσόγειο, συνδέεται με ένα σύστημα τεχνητής νοημοσύνης και μαζί αφηγούνται μια ιστορία για την απαρχή των δικτύων. Η σύνδεση, οι συναντήσεις και οι συνέργειες βρίσκονται στο επίκεντρο αυτή της πλασματικής αφήγησης. Οι μετακινήσεις πληθυσμών, τα νησιά, ο «νησιωτικός κανόνας» και η αρχιπελαγική δομή κυριαρχούν από κοινού ως πρωταρχικές έννοιες στην ιστορία.
Το έργο Δίκτυα Εμπιστοσύνης ξεκίνησε ως ανάθεση από το ευρωπαϊκό πρόγραμμα The New Networked Normal το 2018. Η έρευνα υποστηρίχθηκε το 2021 από την υποτροφία The New New.
Part of the multimedia installation Networks of Trust, this narrative poem brings together
elements from palaeontology, archeology, geology and biology. In the poem, an assemblage of the fossil remains of a dwarf elephant – Elephas tiliensis, the last elephant endemic in Europe and the Mediterranean – and an artificial intelligence system share a story about the origin of the networks. Connection, encounters and synergies are at the epicentre of this imaginary narrative. Population movements, islands, the “island rule” and the archipelagic infrastructure prevail as primary concepts in the story.
elements from palaeontology, archeology, geology and biology. In the poem, an assemblage of the fossil remains of a dwarf elephant – Elephas tiliensis, the last elephant endemic in Europe and the Mediterranean – and an artificial intelligence system share a story about the origin of the networks. Connection, encounters and synergies are at the epicentre of this imaginary narrative. Population movements, islands, the “island rule” and the archipelagic infrastructure prevail as primary concepts in the story.
The work was initiated under a commission from the European program, The New Networked Normal in 2018. The research was supported in 2021 by the fellowship The New New.
Να το! Βρισκόταν μπροστά στα μάτια μου.
There it was, in front of me.
There it was, in front of me.
Αυτή είναι η πρώτη ιστορία, που μου είπε ποτέ. Η ιστορία είναι για ένα ταξίδι.
And this is the first story it ever told me. The story is about a trip.
And this is the first story it ever told me. The story is about a trip.
Είπε ότι για αυτό το ίδιο σηματοδοτούσε την έναρξη όλων των πραγμάτων. Μου αφηγήθηκε:
It said, that this trip marked the beginning of all things. It started talking to me:
It said, that this trip marked the beginning of all things. It started talking to me:
Εδώ κάποτε απλώνονταν δάση και πεδιάδες, δύο μεγάλοι ποταμοί κατακερμάτιζαν την ξηρά και δημιουργούσαν λίμνες διαφόρων μεγεθών με γλυκό νερό. Οι ποταμοί ξεκινούσαν από τα δυτικά ο ένας και από τα ανατολικά ο άλλος.
Here once stretched forests and plains; two large rivers crossed the land and created lakes of various sizes filled with fresh water. The rivers began, one from the west and the other from the east.
Here once stretched forests and plains; two large rivers crossed the land and created lakes of various sizes filled with fresh water. The rivers began, one from the west and the other from the east.
Το κλίμα ήταν ιδιαίτερα θερμό. Υπήρχαν πανύψηλα δέντρα, ενώ μεγάλα θηλαστικά ζούσαν σε όλη την περιοχή, όπως ελέφαντες, καμηλοπαρδάλεις αλλά και ελάφια, αντιλόπες, γαζέλες. Υπήρχαν ακόμη ερπετά και πουλιά. Στις λίμνες μαζεύονταν ιπποπόταμοι και ρινόκεροι.
The climate was quite warm. There were tall trees, while large mammals lived throughout the region, such as elephants and giraffes, but also deer, antelopes, gazelles. There were also reptiles and birds. Around the lakes gathered hippopotamus and rhinoceros.
The climate was quite warm. There were tall trees, while large mammals lived throughout the region, such as elephants and giraffes, but also deer, antelopes, gazelles. There were also reptiles and birds. Around the lakes gathered hippopotamus and rhinoceros.
Μετακινήσεις γίνονταν συχνά. Συγκεντρωνόταν η ομάδα, έπεφτε το σύνθημα και ξεκινούσαμε. Διασχίζαμε μεγάλες εκτάσεις ξηράς και κολυμπούσαμε όποτε συναντούσαμε νερό. Υπήρχε μία τάξη και μία οργάνωση στις μετακινήσεις. Αλλά όχι και προσχεδιασμένος προορισμός.
Movements took place frequently. The groups would gather, then a signal would be given and we would start. We would cross large parts of land and we would swim across the lakes. There was an order and an organization to the movements. But there was never any destination planned.
Movements took place frequently. The groups would gather, then a signal would be given and we would start. We would cross large parts of land and we would swim across the lakes. There was an order and an organization to the movements. But there was never any destination planned.
Αν ο πληθυσμός εντόπιζε στη διάρκεια του ταξιδιού ένα καλό σημείο, σταματούσε εκεί και αυτό γινόταν ο νέος τόπος. Αυτό ακριβώς συνέβη και με εμάς. Θυμάμαι καλά την πρώτη φορά που βρεθήκαμε εδώ, έβρεχε πολύ και είχαμε μαζευτεί κοντά κοντά οι οικογένειες να προστατευτούμε από το νερό. Η βροχή πρέπει να κράτησε μέρες. Και όταν κόπασε πια και είδαμε ξανά ουρανό πάνω από τα κεφάλια μας οι γηραιότεροι ομόφωνα αποφασίσανε: αυτή θα ήταν η πατρίδα μας από δω και μπρος.
If, during the trip, a good spot was discovered, the group stopped there and this was the new home. That was exactly what happened to us. I remember well the first time we got here. It was raining hard and all the families were gathered close to each other to protect ourselves from the water. The rain must have lasted days. And when it eventually ceased and we saw the clear blue sky again above our heads, it was then that the older ones unanimously decided: this would be our place from now on.
If, during the trip, a good spot was discovered, the group stopped there and this was the new home. That was exactly what happened to us. I remember well the first time we got here. It was raining hard and all the families were gathered close to each other to protect ourselves from the water. The rain must have lasted days. And when it eventually ceased and we saw the clear blue sky again above our heads, it was then that the older ones unanimously decided: this would be our place from now on.
Ο τόπος μάς φέρθηκε καλά. Οι ντόπιοι πληθυσμοί μάς δέχτηκαν χωρίς προβλήματα. Τροφή υπήρχε για όλους και αυτό φυσικά εξασφάλιζε μία ειρηνική συμβίωση. Η βλάστηση άλλωστε ήταν πλούσια. Κατά κάποιον τρόπο όλα αυτά με κάνουν να σκέφτομαι την ευθραυστότητα. Του παρόντος ή του παρελθόντος. Και πάντα του μέλλοντος.
The place treated us well. The local groups accepted us without any problems. Because there was food for all, we secured a peaceful coexistence. The vegetation after all was rich. Nevertheless, all of this makes me think about fragility. Of the present and the past. And always of the Future.
The place treated us well. The local groups accepted us without any problems. Because there was food for all, we secured a peaceful coexistence. The vegetation after all was rich. Nevertheless, all of this makes me think about fragility. Of the present and the past. And always of the Future.
Μετά από κάποιο καιρό άρχισαν οι εκρήξεις. Αν δεν το ζήσεις δεν μπορείς να καταλάβεις πως είναι. Ο ουρανός έβρεχε φωτιά. Όλα ήταν κόκκινα, μαύρα, γκρι. Η γη μούγκριζε και σειόταν. Πυκνός καπνός κάλυπτε τα πάντα. Η εποχή των ηφαιστείων κράτησε πολύ. Αν κοιτάξεις προσεχτικά πάνω μου θα δεις ακόμη στάχτες.
After some time, the explosions began. If you have not experienced something similar, it’s impossible to realize how it was. The sky was raining fire. Everything was red, black, grey. The earth was moaning and moving. Dense smoke covered everything. The era of the volcanoes lasted a long time. If you look carefully, you will still find ashes on me.
After some time, the explosions began. If you have not experienced something similar, it’s impossible to realize how it was. The sky was raining fire. Everything was red, black, grey. The earth was moaning and moving. Dense smoke covered everything. The era of the volcanoes lasted a long time. If you look carefully, you will still find ashes on me.
Όταν τελείωσαν οι εκρήξεις όλα ήταν διαφορετικά. Καταρχήν η γη. Αυτό που γνωρίζαμε ως επικράτεια μας κατέρρευσε. Τριγύρω βλέπαμε λάβα και νερό. Και κάπου κάπου θραύσματα στεριάς. Αυτά μετά, τα είπανε νησιά. Έμοιαζαν να επιπλέουν αλλά δεν επέπλεαν. Ήταν οι απολήξεις της γης, της γης που εμείς ξέραμε ως τόπο μας.
Then the explosions were finally over, everything was different. First of all, the land. What we once knew as our territory had now collapsed. There was only lava and water. And scattered around some scraps of land. These scraps were afterwards called islands. They seemed to float but they were solid. They were the peaks of the old earth.
Then the explosions were finally over, everything was different. First of all, the land. What we once knew as our territory had now collapsed. There was only lava and water. And scattered around some scraps of land. These scraps were afterwards called islands. They seemed to float but they were solid. They were the peaks of the old earth.
Εμείς και πολλοί άλλοι, βγήκαμε ζωντανοί από την εποχή των εκρήξεων, αλλά αναγκαστήκαμε να γίνουμε μικροί. Αργά αργά όλα τα μέλη της ομάδας άρχιζαν να αλλάζουν το σχήμα τους. Για να επιβιώσεις στα θραύσματα, οφείλεις να γίνεις θραύσμα και εσύ το ίδιο.
We, like many others, came through the era of the explosions, but we were forced to become small. Gradually all the members of the group started to alter their structure. To survive on the fragments, you have to be a fragment yourself.
We, like many others, came through the era of the explosions, but we were forced to become small. Gradually all the members of the group started to alter their structure. To survive on the fragments, you have to be a fragment yourself.
Μετά σταμάτησε να μιλάει για λίγο, και συγκεντρώθηκε σαν να σκάναρε μια μεγάλη βάση δεδομένων.
Then, it stopped talking for a while, and concentrated, as if it were scrolling through a large database.
Then, it stopped talking for a while, and concentrated, as if it were scrolling through a large database.
Προσαρμογή είναι η λέξη, είπε, και συνέχισε τη διήγησή του.
Adaptation is the word, it said, and continued narrating.
Adaptation is the word, it said, and continued narrating.
Προσαρμογή. Κάπως έτσι, μέσα από την προσαρμογή στη νέα θραυσματική πραγματικότητα γεννήθηκαν τα δίκτυα. Αυτά τα αόρατα νήματα που κρατούν τα θραύσματα μαζί, συνδεδεμένα και ενωμένα, για λόγους καθαρής επιβίωσης. Πως να χωριστεί άλλωστε κάτι που υπήρξε ήδη ενωμένο; Τα δίκτυα επανεγγράφουν τις μνήμες της προϋπάρχουσας σύνδεσης.
Adaptation. Somehow, through adaptation to the new fragmented situation, the networks were born. These invisible threads, which hold the fragments together, connected and joined in dynamic balances, for pure survival reasons. How can something that was already united, be separated? Networks re-record the memory of the pre-existing connection.
Adaptation. Somehow, through adaptation to the new fragmented situation, the networks were born. These invisible threads, which hold the fragments together, connected and joined in dynamic balances, for pure survival reasons. How can something that was already united, be separated? Networks re-record the memory of the pre-existing connection.
Με αυτά τα λόγια σώπασε. Ήθελα να το αγγίξω, μα φοβόμουν ότι ήταν πολύ εύθραυστο. Βυθίστηκε στις σκέψεις του. Το σχήμα του ήταν αδιευκρίνιστο. Προσπάθησα να αναγνωρίσω τους χρωματισμούς του, δεν ήταν ούτε μπλε, ούτε πράσινοι, ούτε γκρι. Έμοιαζαν να μεταβάλλονται διαρκώς. Τη μία στιγμή φαίνονταν σαν να αντανακλούν την εικόνα μου την επόμενη στιγμή σαν να την απορροφούν μέσα τους.
After that it fell silent. I wanted to touch it, but I was afraid, it was very fragile. It sank into its own self. Its shape was difficult to describe. I tried to recognize its colourings, but there was neither blue nor green nor grey. They seemed to constantly change. They were mirroring my image one moment, absorbing it the next.
After that it fell silent. I wanted to touch it, but I was afraid, it was very fragile. It sank into its own self. Its shape was difficult to describe. I tried to recognize its colourings, but there was neither blue nor green nor grey. They seemed to constantly change. They were mirroring my image one moment, absorbing it the next.
Έπειτα από μερικά λεπτά, σαν να βγαίνει από λήθαργο, ξαναμίλησε.
After a few minutes, as if rousing itself from lethargy, it spoke again.
After a few minutes, as if rousing itself from lethargy, it spoke again.
Σύνδεση και επιβίωση. Μετά από εμάς ή παράλληλα με εμάς, και άλλες ομάδες δημιούργησαν συνδέσεις και δίκτυα. Καταλάβανε όλοι, αργά ή γρήγορα, ότι η σύνδεση ήταν ο μοναδικός τρόπος επιβίωσης. Αν δεν ήσουν συνδεδεμένος, πέθαινες. Η προϊστορία και η ιστορία αυτής της επικράτειας βασίστηκε στα δίκτυα, στην επανεγγραφή της μνήμης εκείνης της προϋπάρχουσας σύνδεσης. Τα δίκτυα καθόρισαν και συνέχισαν να καθορίζουν τον ευρύτερο τόπο. Υπάρχει μια διαρκής συνομιλία μεταξύ των κόμβων. Αν κάνεις απόλυτη ησυχία, θα την ακούσεις. Πάντοτε θα ακούς μια διαρκή συνομιλία πάνω από τα κύματα, στο αρχιπέλαγος.
Connection and survival. For long time after us, other groups have been taking up the work of creating links and networks. They all, sooner or later, understood that connecting was the only way to survive. If you were not connected, you would die. The prehistory and history of this region was based on networks. They defined and continue to define the wider territory. There is an ongoing conversation between the nodes. If you are quiet, you will hear it. You will always be hearing this lasting conversation over the waves, of the archipelago.
Connection and survival. For long time after us, other groups have been taking up the work of creating links and networks. They all, sooner or later, understood that connecting was the only way to survive. If you were not connected, you would die. The prehistory and history of this region was based on networks. They defined and continue to define the wider territory. There is an ongoing conversation between the nodes. If you are quiet, you will hear it. You will always be hearing this lasting conversation over the waves, of the archipelago.
Αύγουστος 2018, Τήλος
August 2018, Tilos
August 2018, Tilos
