Transmission

Abstract

Transmission is a statement on the fragility of communication systems, and an exploration of human interpretation when traditional communication fails. These topics are examined through the context of the Vietnam War - specifically, the capture of Saigon by the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam and the People’s Army of Vietnam. Transmission captures the panic, tension and stress of the period by placing participants within a period-authentic area and tasking them with deciphering incoming transmissions. With no context to the situation, those involved must interpret their role in the events they uncover. The tension of the event therefore lies not in the event itself, but in the unknown circumstances that arise out of participation. In the context of this project, the term “transmission” is used to describe “the act or process by which something is spread or passed from one person or thing to another” [1]. Under this definition, the “transmissions” found in our piece refer to the process of conveying information, both organically and digitally.