Sacrifice Zone:
La Esperanza Park
May 2023, USC School of Cinematic Arts - Media Arts + Practice division
Sacrifice zones: populated areas with high levels of pollution and environmental hazards, thanks to nearby toxic or polluting industrial facilities. These areas are called “sacrifice zones” because the health and safety of people in these communities is being effectively sacrificed for the economic gains and prosperity of others.
Reference: https://www.climaterealityproject.org/sacrifice-zones
This group project explores the impact of sacrifice zones in the Los Angeles area. Through taking the form of a local park and engaging with art and amplifying voices impacted by these sacrifice zones, we aim to shed a light on the challenges faced by residents of these areas. Sacrifice Zone: Los Angeles (SZ:LA) is a collaborative environmental justice project funded by grants from USC Arts in Action and the Arkay Foundation.
Highway
Responsibilites:
Design
Created the video projection (stop-motion animation + recording of the highway beside/over Figueroa)
Set up projector, sound, and air mattress
This scene is supposed to mimic laying on the grass (air mattress covered in green blanket) and looking up to the busy sounds and sights of a highway. This project was informed by Chinatown. Chinatown in LA has the most air pollution and a large reason for this is because it is encapsulated by 3 highways.
References: https://xtown.la/2018/06/13/the-neighborhood-with-the-most-unhealthy-air-its-chinatown/
The video was created by filming the highway on Figueroa St in Los Angeles as well as stop-motion animation. I also created an AR experience that plays the video as well as gives facts on air pollution in Chinatown.
Community Center
Reponsibilites:
Design
Cut holes in community center
Tested and set up all 3 pico projectors
Created video to be projected in the community center
The community center is supposed to mimic the structure typically found in parks. There are holes cut out so when you look inside the community center, you see a scene of real flowers in front of a projected video. The projected video mimics abstract fire, oil, and elements. I wanted to contrast the nature with the destruction. I also created an AR marker on the side that also uses the same video. It also includes an element of nature and a plaque that defines sacrifice zones.