Small Gods - Perspectives on the Drone

Small Gods explores the mythology of the drone, from its soothing sound to its aerial spy and killing machine, and highlights the work of artists who use drone technology to envision a future beyond the burden of colonialism, racism, exclusion, or representation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2021
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

Small Gods is a groundbreaking exploration of the drone's multifaceted mythology, delving into its various roles as a soothing sound, aerial spy, and killing machine. When we mention drone technology, it encompasses a range of entities, from the tanpura, a plucked-string instrument originating in 16th-century India, to the Gorgon Stare, an aerial surveillance technology designed by the US military. This ambiguity is central to Small Gods, as each chapter focuses on the work of an artist who possesses a distinct perspective on the drone. Through these artistic lenses, the book sheds light on the myriad facets of these entangled technological entities.

The narrative begins with William Basinki's poignant first encounter with the ash-clouds of 9/11, which gave rise to seminal works such as The Disintegration Loops and the drone-driven War on Terror. From there, the story zooms into the representational sleights of hand of British and American artists who are preoccupied with the West's involvement in endless drone wars. The midsection of the book takes us into the realm of boredom, where artists like Anne Imhof, Anna Mikkola, and Atef Abu Saif find solace in the monotony of drone surveillance, raising profound questions about the trade-offs between security and surveillance.

In the final section, the narrative takes a transcendent turn, allowing us to explore future and spirit worlds through the work of artists like Korakrit Arunanondchai, Lawrence Lek, and WangShui. These artists harness drone technology to envision a future beyond the burdens of colonialism, racism, exclusion, and representation. Empty metal becomes a vessel for escape, connection, and intention, transcending the limitations of earthly existence. It becomes a future-facing spirit, a ride into the afterlife, a god, or a ghost.

Small Gods is a thought-provoking and immersive exploration of the drone's complex mythology, challenging our perceptions and illuminating the profound implications of this technology on our world. Through the lens of artistic visionaries, the book offers a glimpse into the potential for drones to transcend their utilitarian roles and become agents of transformation and transcendence.

Weight: 160g
Dimension: 140 x 217 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789040043