LIVE @ White Cart Water

Performance / Duration: 01:00:00 / Site-specific / Live-stream HD Video / Projection Mapped Video Projection / Dry Suit / Floatation Device

Sarah Palmer - Steward

David Hicks - News Reporter

Katie Grenville - Producer

William Armstrong - Media Technician

Statement

The development of LIVE @ White Cart Water began with the concept of a figure floating in water. The visual of a lone face floating in water, reminiscent of Ophelia, surrounded by water and plants, aimed to depict humanity’s struggle to find safety within an uncontrollable world. As the work developed, the pivotal moment of capturing this floating scene—the very act of filming and reporting it as it unfolded in a public space—became the central focus. It served to construct a broader narrative around media representation and the reporting of local issues, particularly those affecting Scotland and Paisley.

This project aligns with the concept of hydrocitizenship, which involves examining the local knowledge, experiences, perceptions and values related to water and place. Urban environments, in particular, present complex interactions between natural systems, cultural perceptions, and socio-political interests regarding water.

The project's emphasis on the act of filming and reporting underscores the significant role media plays in shaping public perception and awareness of local issues, while also questioning the performative aspects inherent in such representations.