Defence adaptation

2015

exhibition: "Defence adaptation", Miłość gallery, Toruń

A potential attack, conflict, or crisis situation may appear in various fields of social or purely biological functioning. The sense of anxiety and fear of jeopardy prompts us to premature reaction and prevention of potential incidents. The prevention gives us a sense of control. The attack may occur at any place and at any time. We fear what we do not know. The origins of threat are both in the mental and physical realm. The same applies to the defence system.

Norbert Delman, outlining the spectrum of potential threats, offers an airsoft game. This is a paramilitary game using ASG (Airsoft Gun) weapons, replica firearms, for tactical exercises and trainings. Therefore, the exhibition takes the performative and educative form. Its title refers to the subject once taught in secondary schools [civil defence training] – comprising broadly understood civil defence, methods of protection against various threats, and preparation to deal with natural disasters. In this case, the Polish word “przysposobienie” [adoption] has been replaced with “przystosowanie” [adaptation], in order to emphasize the tension between one’s own needs and the environment requirements.

The defence mechanism is activated at the time of attack, but the sense of threat and danger is a natural factor of everyday life. The defence adaptation is a process of developing features that allow surviving in a given environment or under a given circumstances. At the same time, it remains a constant training that enables readiness to take immediate action.

Attack and defence, as two antagonisms, can be activated in every area and activity of life (political, economic, religious, social, or cultural). They are taking camouflaged forms, which are trying to impose their own laws and properties. The anonymity is a privilege, but also a weapon. Therefore, when you stand in front of a disguised identity, open the fire!

>>http://magazynszum.pl

>>http://obieg.pl

>>https://www.youtube.com