AreYouReady? /Web-TV Series, 2019-2020
A performative web-TV series by Frans Jacobi and Gitte Sætre that stages urgent political and existential questions through satire, poetry, and collective reflection. Mixing fiction and reality, the project transforms news headlines and crises into theatrical episodes that provoke debate and unsettle established narratives. With humor and sincerity, AreYouReady? creates a critical counter-public, inviting audiences to reflect on the fragility of democracy, the climate emergency, and the possibility of change. Seven episodes are to be found here: www.areyouready.tv/
To see all the episodes visit: areyouready.tv
Are You Ready? is a hybrid series in a self-invented genre called Climate Futurism.
The full series is to be found at: www.areyouready.tv
It depicts aspects of climate and environmental challenges. First, there is a feeling of unrest among humans and non-humans; then there is an investigation; and finally, an outcome. With enthusiasm and excitement, Climate Futurism meets the necessary change in consciousness inherent in the ongoing processes of the green trans-formation. The main actor of Are You Ready?, The Living Unliving Surveillance Poet is an unruly, ticklish character resurrected from the rotten leaves of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s waters of contemplation just below his cottage in the deepest of the deepest fjords of Norway. After a lifetime of being infused by the logic and language developed by his temporal companion, the Poet starts his journey into the un-logical structures of the human world. Here, he becomes an observer and listener, monitoring the movements of human civilisation, confused by the twists of thought humans provoke to his perspective. The un-logical logic of the human world is now being monitored by The Living Unliving Surveillance Poet. They have embarked on a long expedition to understand the state of the climate.
Following the journey, this climate futuristic fable explores approaches to the state of things – and our possibilities – Are You Ready?
This speculative tale unfolds during 7 episodes and premieres on a full moon. Starting November 30 at 10.29 am CET and ending May 26 2020. All of the 7 episodes will be published when the gravity in the universe impacts us the most: On a full moon.
The moon’s effects, including heaviness, sudden hotness, ringing ears and general weirdness – which forces the bodies to adjust to the massive changes occurring in the universe – make it the perfect time to perceive the poet’s pearls of wisdom.
Are You Ready? is created by the artist duo Gitte Sætre and Frans Jacobi.
Gitte Sætre(b. 1975)
Gitte Sætre’s oeuvre deals with current issues such as climate change, neo-liberal ideological patterns, and cultural radicalism. Her body of work is characterised by the weight of contemporary society, yet opens room for humour and quiet reflection. Previous projects include Woman Cleaning (2014-2019), The Soups&Stories Project (2014-2017), Magic of Seven (2016) and The Green Hijab Movement (2014-2019).
Frans Jacobi(b. 1960)
Frans Jacobi works with performance, film, and text. His art addresses today’s political crises, seen through dark poetic humour. In 2015, he started the ongoing research project Synsmaskinen and in 2017, he and Gitte Sætre initiated the Green Hijab Movement. Jacobi is Professor of Time-based Art at the Art Academy, Department of Contemporary Art at the University of Bergen, Norway.
Production
Craig Wells, Music and Sound Design
Danja Burchard, Production Assistant
Tanya Varbanova, Production Assistant
Kim André Fladen, Graphic Design
OK KontorDesign Consultation
Tolga Balci Tree animation
Bergen Centre for Electronic Arts BEKTechnical Support