Proposal for Video Art Exhibition in Geneva
Project title:
LIFE
WORK
BALANCE
Artist:
Ørjan Færøykavlen Ellingvåg, Norwegian-born photographer and visual artist with over 25 years of experience in documentary storytelling.
Objective:
This exhibition aims to highlight the often-overlooked, dangerous, and arduous working conditions of Bangladeshi laborers, many of whom operate in extreme environments with minimal safety measures. The exhibition is designed to provoke reflection on global labor standards and the human costs of unsafe work environments.
Concept:
The proposed art installation will consist of a looped projection of a series of documentary-style videos shot by photojournalist Ørjan F. Ellingvåg in Bangladesh. The videos capture laborers engaged in risky and physically demanding tasks, such as:
A silhouetted construction worker balancing precariously on the framework of a ten-story building, assembling rebars without scaffolding or a safety harness.
A human chain of porters manually unloading a barge full of coal in an unregulated dock.
Each video sequence emphasizes the stark realities faced by these workers, with the only post-production modification being the seamless looping of the footage. The purpose is to create an immersive, continuous narrative of resilience and exploitation, allowing viewers to absorb the intensity of the laborers' struggles over time.
Technical requirements:
Projection Setup: The exhibition will require a room suitable for projecting high-definition video on large surfaces, allowing viewers to experience the visuals in an immersive environment.
Minimum of two video projectors capable of 4K resolution for optimal visual clarity.
Surround sound system for ambient noise captured during the footage (optional based on venue sound policy).
Blackout curtains or dedicated gallery space for maximum impact.
Video Format:
The footage is available in HD (1080p) and 4K formats and can be adapted to the specifications of the venue. Each video runs approximately 3-5 minutes, looping continuously.
The footage is available in HD (1080p) and 4K formats and can be adapted to the specifications of the venue. Each video runs approximately 3-5 minutes, looping continuously.
Exhibition duration:
The exhibition is designed to be mobile and flexible, running from a few weeks to several months depending on the gallery schedule. The looping nature of the videos ensures that visitors at any point will experience the full impact of the footage.
Cost & Budget:
1) Pre-Produced Video Footage
(Already available for exhibition; includes licensing for public display):
Video Production (pre-shot in Bangladesh): CHF 300
Post-production (looping and final edits): CHF 1,500
Total Licensing Fee for Public Display (3-month period): CHF 5,000
2) Installation costs
Technical Setup (projectors, sound system rental, etc.): CHF 3,000
Gallery Preparation (lighting, blackout curtains, etc.): CHF 1,500
3) Transport & Logistics
Total budget estimate: CHF 14,300Transportation of equipment and artwork (local): CHF 500
4) Artist Fees
Artist Honorarium (for installation oversight and collaboration with team): CHF 2,500
Artist statement:
As a photojournalist, I have spent years documenting the lives and struggles of people around the globe. My goal with this exhibition is to give a face and a voice to those often invisible to society—workers who endure hazardous conditions in the name of progress and survival. Through this series of documentary videos, I aim to evoke empathy and awareness, while inviting viewers to reflect on the global standards of labor safety and the stark disparities that exist.
Why this exhibition aligns with the ILO’s mission:
The International Labour Organization has long championed the rights of workers and promoted the enforcement of safe labor practices worldwide. This exhibition complements the ILO's core objectives by bringing a visceral, visual dimension to discussions on worker safety and labor conditions, especially in developing countries where enforcement may be lax. The documentary nature of the work presents these realities in a raw, unfiltered manner, encouraging advocacy and dialogue for improved labor standards.
Should the ILO be interested in proceeding with this exhibition, I am available to collaborate on further logistics and preparations, ensuring that the exhibition aligns with the space and audience of the organization. Given the flexibility of the project, the installation can be adjusted to suit the venue's specific requirements.
I look forward to the opportunity to work with the ILO in advancing awareness of these critical issues through art.
Sincerely,
Ørjan Ellingvåg
Photographer & Visual Artist
Geneva, Switzerland
