And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time
2024, Digital Video Art, 2-channel video
Audio: Hubert Parry's Jerusalem (Open-Source)
Duration: 2 mins 38 sec
The title "And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time" references William Blake’s poem, which became the lyrics for the hymn "Jerusalem." The phrase evokes imagery of exploration and the notion of a divine mission, aligning well with Captain Cook's historical narrative and the themes of colonialism. The video hints at questioning whether such figures' legacies should be revered as righteous or "sacred journeys."
And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time confronts viewers with the duality of colonial legacies, inviting them to reflect on how national identity and historical memory are shaped by both pride and disillusionment. The interplay of normal and reversed tunes deepens the ambiguity: Are these celebrations sincere, or are they themselves a distortion of history?
And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time confronts viewers with the duality of colonial legacies, inviting them to reflect on how national identity and historical memory are shaped by both pride and disillusionment. The interplay of normal and reversed tunes deepens the ambiguity: Are these celebrations sincere, or are they themselves a distortion of history?