Her Noise Archive: Symbol of Democracy or Communist Uprising? (2012)
video, 5 mins 12 secs

A video work questioning the fine line between political criticism and political rebellion, in response to the Her Noise Archive; an archive of women working at the intersection of sound, art, noise and politics.

It is a sardonic observation of the ambivalent political voice of the Her Noise Archive which serves equally as a democratic symbol of equality, and as an uprising against the false utopia of democracy. By presenting both truths side-by-side the stark similarities between these two viewpoints are made apparent, and it’s political fragility laid bare. An archive may be created democratically but it can easily become bound to an authoritarian existence by those who control its access, changing its political locale overnight.

Her Noise Archive: Symbol of Democracy or Communist Uprising? extends beyond critique of the Her Noise Archive and passes question upon political party structures and the fine line between one party’s politics and another. Adopting structures and techniques of political speech writing, manipulating rhythm, pitch and repetition, Ballard explores the possibilities of speech as a political tool within the arts.

Her Noise Archive: http://www.electra-productions.com/projects/2005/her_noise_archive/overview.shtml