The Autonomous Object?

The Autonomous Object?

2008, UK, variable duration and format

Made over the space of three years, Karen Mirza and Brad Butler’s latest expanded film work - The Autonomous Object? - takes the form of a boxed object. Contained within the box are sculptural materials; a series of camera rolls recorded using the same performative shooting strategy in India, Pakistan, New York and London; and a number of small printed cards containing instructions. Typically open-ended, these instructions are to be interpreted by anyone who wishes to show the work. In this instance selected reels will be configured for a cinematic context. Exploring complex politicised ideas concerning the infra-thin space between camera and subject, each take is at once a staging of the self, a document of a place and a mirror image of itself.