FOCUS FEATURE: DIGITAL GEOGRAPHIES
Aspirations Archived- The Stolen Poet's Society of Gaza
Many are familiar with Mahmoud Darwish and the rich culture of Palestinian poetry, but less aware of poets of recent generations. Palestine has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. In 2022, the rate was over 97.8 percent for all adults (UNESCO). Unfortunately, with hundreds of schools and universities now destroyed in Gaza and civilian casualties still rising, the words of many are left beneath the debris. What has been archived digitally, has allowed the rest of the world to experience life, death and displacement in Gaza in a way unheard of and unseen in the past.
In this project, I feature five different poets, writers and/or photographers who were dedicated to sharing their voice and vision in Gaza to the broader world. Each individual made their creative contributions through various platforms and were awarded or celebrated for their works. Many were once students or scholars at universities that are no longer standing. Others offered their photos and poetry across social media or digital journals, documenting their experience before and during the recent assaults. Eventually, they were all killed via airstrike or gunfire during the ethnic and cultural erosion/erasure in 2023 and 2024 in the Gaza Strip and broader Palestinian Territories. The Israeli military’s ‘Lavender System’ utilizes AI to decipher targets, which indicates an interrelation in this report on digital archives with that of digital colonialism and warfare. This system has resulted in unguided munitions, or “dumb bombs”(The Guardian), which have demolished entire homes and caused countless civilian casualties.
As more writings are digitized and moved across borders, a steadfastness to share their work, despite all obstacles, is recognized in these individuals. Here, I hope to highlight digital archives that celebrate their contributions and passions. Additionally, I include documentation of their abrupt end to writing on Earth with their estimated location of death from Airwars, a transparency watchdog involved in tracking, archiving and investigating civilian harm. The individuals are listed below with context from their tributes, excerpts of their writings and links to view more of their story.
Major Volcanoes, Selected Military Landmarks/Installations on Moku O Keawe (The Island of Hawai'i)
Featuring the five commonly known volcanic masses of the Island of Hawai'i, as well as selected landmarks and installations from the U.S. military. In observation, the viewer is encouraged to consider the social and environmental impacts and further develop an understanding of the historical and current concerns regarding the U.S. military's practices and installations across Hawai'i. Each landmark includes relative primary and secondary data.
Excerpt:
"Military development of the KMC within Volcanoes National Park began in 1916. First used as a training ground, then utilized for recreation for military personnel. Also in the park are the Kau Desert Impact and Training Area and the Elemakule Range for aerial bombing as military presence expanded across the volcano with the KMC as its headquarters. Then in WWII, it was used as a temporary confinement and POW camp, where mostly Japanese individuals were forcibly detained, confined and then transferred to Oahu."
View in Google Earth using the link below: