People Like Us (experimental films) [2002-2007]

People Like Us (Vicki Bennett) creates audio-visual collage using sampling and found footage from the renowned Prelinger Archives. These appropriated elements compose the arena where recontextualized sounds and images begin to take on new lives, giving way to multiple worlds of mirrored images. The result is a labyrinthine universe of alchemical mystery where equal measures of lighthearted humour and sinister satire create a balanced art. By using A/V elements from throughout the 20th C., Bennett paradoxically breathes new interpretations into our current relationship with technology. Her work is a delightful parody of both past and present European and American culture.


We Edit Life (2002)

This is the first in a series of films using documentary, industrial and educational film footage from the Prelinger Archive and The Internet Archive. The film explores the theme of technology, showing how the future can be edited and manipulated through advances in computer science. As the narrative in the film says "The art of computer graphics is only in its infancy yet it is already stimulating creative thought in far out areas where research is likely to get complex and unwieldy". Commissioned by Lovebytes


http://www.lovebytes.org.uk/about-this-site.html
Lovebytes explores the creative and cultural potential of digital technologies. We help to develop and promote new concepts and innovation in digital art and design through exhibitions, events and the commissioning of new interactive and digital artworks.


The Remote Controller (2003)

Using found footage sourced from educational films in the Prelinger Archives this work explores the subject of experimentation in human body and machine interfaces in the 20th century. The film edits together the different ways we have controlled our environment - through technology, magic and theatrical devices. As the world of communications brings people together, power still exists by pushing a button and pulling the puppet strings.


Resemblage (2004)

This work was created using film from the LUX archive by artists Alan Berliner, Lawrence Jordan, People Like Us, Semiconductor and the Estate of Stan Vanderbeek. The aim of the commission was to further promote work in the LUX archive. Permission was sought from the artists and their work was then collaged, rearranged and altered to create a new work Resemblage.

Commissioned by LUX


http://www.lux.org.uk/
LUX is an arts agency which explores ideas around artists' moving image practice through exhibition, distribution, publishing, education and research.


Story Without End (2005)

Made using footage from the Prelinger Archives and A/V Geeks, this film explores how technology enables us to communicate faster. Despite advances in communication technology the film shows that the story of progress will never end; and that it leads to both connection and disconnection. The narrative is from a public domain film of the same name made in 1950 about the development of microwave radio transmission and the transistor.

Commissioned by Sonic Arts Network


http://www.sonicartsnetwork.org/
Sonic Arts Network is a national organisation that enables both audiences and practitioners to engage with the art of sound in diverse, accessible and innovative ways. Sonic Arts Network fosters a culture of creative risk taking and experimental approaches to sound through a cutting edge programme of festivals, events, commissions and education projects. The organisation believes in the unique capacity of listening to enrich people’s lives by unlocking creativity, promoting social and environmental awareness and engaging a diverse range of communities.


Work, Rest & Play (2007)

This is another in a series of films using documentary, industrial and educational film footage from the Prelinger Archive and The Internet Archive. The film explores the theme of technology, showing how the future can be edited and manipulated through advances in computer science. As the narrative in the film says "The art of computer graphics is only in its infancy yet it is already stimulating creative thought in far out areas where research is likely to get complex and unwieldy". Commissioned by Lovebytes


http://www.lovebytes.org.uk/about-this-site.html
Lovebytes explores the creative and cultural potential of digital technologies. We help to develop and promote new concepts and innovation in digital art and design through exhibitions, events and the commissioning of new interactive and digital artworks.


WFMU Record Fair (2003)

People Like Us have been performing A/V collage concerts internationally since 2006. Here is an example of one encarnation of Vicki Bennett's live set, performed in an intimate setting at the radio station WFMU's record fair in Manhattan in 2003. Thanks to Corey Smith who made the film, and WFMU.


http://www.wfmu.org/

http://www.coreysmithfilms.com