Royal Hastings, University of London Multimedia Art MA Final Project

Candidate name: Jonathan Danners

Candidate number: 0883482

The voice:

All that security at RD 8 isn’t solely to keep curious cattle out. Or in other words: it is, in a way. The company develops technology far more interesting than secure wireless payments. The sheer dullness of that switches people off. I often wonder if that’s the idea. How did they get to Gela? There are only four ways: money, ideology, coercion and ego. MICE . Four reasons people get caught in a trap.

What has everyone else said about the voice? I’ll say this … that unit wasn’t what we thought it was or needed it to be. But sometimes a project changes shape. We have to be flexible and adapt. I’m sure that’s in the course notes somewhere. The voice – a man with an English accent – came through at the same time every day, but every time he said something different. That he was trapped, being held prisoner in a dark place. He asked to be rescued, but didn’t say where he was or who was keeping him captive.

Since the Second World War RD 8 have led communications technology for the security agencies. That contract must dwarf any commercial work they do for the retail industry, but they need their credit card and banking software as a smokescreen. In days gone by, undercover agents could tune in to radio wavelengths to pick up coded messages that only they could decipher. The ‘numbers stations’, as they’re called, remained a Cold War curio for decades. Most world powers operated them and some still do. Just in case the world’s digital and electronic systems break down or are sabotaged. Radio waves will always be there.

That unit was alone in the centre of a small, dark room, quite separate from the museum. A rectangular box no bigger than a house brick, on its own plinth. The place was temperature- and humidity-regulated by a state-of-the-art system, plus a backup with its own power source. One thing was certain: they did not want anything corroding or degrading whatever was inside. It was strangely timeless. Could have been preserved for a hundred years or made last week. With no visible power source of its own, it seemed to be dead and we would soon find out why. Then Jem and Patrick started playing with it. It kept them busy, so we let them.

Until the voice came through. Sense told me it was a recording. Yet it sounded live. It sounded as if that man was actually broadcasting his sad, plaintive message every night. It’s what Patrick thought as soon as he heard it. But the wavelength remained obscure and the internal workings didn’t give anything away. It was the key, but we didn’t know how to turn it. Or where the lock was. It may not have been what we had hoped for. But it isn’t what they told Cameron it was, either.

Doodle message group [Private] Gela and Cameron, 15 April 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

Term starts tomorrow. Can you come in and show your face around the studio? Just let Hannah, Griff and Jem see how hard you’re trying to contribute to the final project, despite sickness, etc.

Cameron Wesley

I’m on another job. It’s at that tricky stage. Can’t simply leave.

Gela Nathaniel

I need photographs for the prospectus – should this course be approved. Ideally a bright, enthusiastic, diverse cohort looking busy in the studio, everyone smiling and happy.

Cameron Wesley

You want everyone looking happy? Are you serious?

Gela Nathaniel

Informal bribery. I’ll take that key picture on the day I give them their – highly inflated – grades for Assignment Five.

Cameron Wesley

Good luck with that. Kiss-kiss.

Gela Nathaniel

Kiss-kiss.

Doodle message group MMAM ( FTP ), 15 April 2024:

Jem Badhuri

What’s everyone done for Assignment Five? I’m not as old as the rest of you, so haven’t lost as much. I’m still racking my brain.

Patrick Bright

I’m spoiled for choice.

Jonathan Danners

Do we really have to go to a dark emotional place for this? I’ve got too much to think about.

Patrick Bright

Lost car keys perhaps, Jonathan?

Jonathan Danners

Whatever I do, it’ll be a photography project on PowerPoint. I’m done with unfamiliar mediums.

Ludya Parak

I’ve got an idea. It’s a tribute to lost innocence.

Jem Badhuri

A video of your children falling off their paddleboards?

Ludya Parak

No.

Jem Badhuri

What are you doing, Alyson?

Cameron Wesley

Good luck all. Hope it goes well.

Alyson Lang

Photography probably.

Jem Badhuri

I mean, what have you lost?

Alyson Lang

Don’t know yet.

Gela Nathaniel

Popped on here to say I’ll be taking pictures in the studio over the next week or so. They are for the new prospectus and will entice students on to next year’s course – should it be approved. I’ll try to avoid faces, but if you’re recognisable, then I’ll clear their use with you. Good luck with Assignment Five.

Doodle message group [Private] Jem and Patrick, 15 April 2024:

Jem Badhuri

Wouldn’t it be funny if Alyson made a tribute to her husband?

Patrick Bright

She hasn’t lost him, I don’t think.

Jem Badhuri

If he’s found out about her affair, he could have filed for divorce. Have you noticed anything interesting?

Patrick Bright

I haven’t, but I’m not as sharp as you.

Jem Badhuri

When was the last time you saw Alyson?

Patrick Bright

A couple of days ago.

Jem Badhuri

Where was she? Did she speak to you?

Patrick Bright

In the foyer of the Media Arts building. She was talking to someone from the BA course. A youngish chap with long hair. I took it she’d been in the studio all night and was on her way home.

Jem Badhuri

And yet I’ve taken a photograph of her workstation every morning since the middle of last term and it’s not changed at all. Mum and Dad compared all the pictures and that’s what they say.

Patrick Bright

She’s quite tidy, though. It’s possible she’s working here at night, but has another commission she’s doing at home during the day. It doesn’t surprise me if she’s outgrown the course. She was always strides ahead of us.

Jem Badhuri

If you ask me, Gela only loves Alyson because she’s good publicity for the MA .

Patrick Bright

No one is asking you, Jem. NO ONE. People cut you too much slack, but you’d do well to mind your own fucking business.

Jem Badhuri’s Doodle Diary, 15 April 2024:

When someone is very nice – I mean super-friendly and helpful – it can be because they’re people-pleasers. They don’t really want to help you, but feel they should and will avoid confrontation at all costs. I’m sure it eats away at them until they’re driven to breaking point and snap. They care more about being liked than they do about their own health and well-being. I’m not a people-pleaser.

The trouble with people-pleasers is you never know what they’re really thinking and feeling, because half the time they don’t know themselves. I’ve always got along with Patrick, but in the six months we’ve been on this course I haven’t learned a single personal thing about him. He has an art shop, wants to retire back to his roots in Ireland and realise his dream of being an artist. That’s it. I’ve asked him plenty of questions over the months. I’ve asked if he’s married; or has any children, brothers and sisters; whether his parents are alive. He’s replied every time but, thinking about it, he’s never actually answered any of those questions.

He’s a lovely, gentle man who’s a pleasure to work alongside, but he’s a people-pleaser and he’ll do anything to avoid the truth, if the truth is unpalatable or ugly.

I feel quite proud I got him to snap at me on Doodle. Where did that come from? Anger, exasperation or fear? I know one thing for sure now – I can’t confide in Patrick any more. This may be a course that helps develop teamwork skills, but as far as my suspicions about Alyson’s disappearance are concerned, I’m on my own.

Patrick Bright’s Doodle Diary, 15 April 2024:

Jonathan is getting to me. He’s off his rocker. This is the very time we need to pull together and he’s jeopardising it for everyone. We all have our roles to play and our jobs to do, and obsessing over that voice is not helpful to anyone. He tunes in every day. Records it, writes it down, pores over the words. Ludya is in no position to help him and I won’t even ask her. I’ve snapped at Jem on Doodle and feel rotten. She has a ruthless streak and I don’t want her plotting against me. She may be young and na?ve, but shit sticks if you throw it.

To: Gela Nathaniel

From: Griff Technician (Maintenance)

Date: 16 April 2024

Subject: Resin use

Dear Mrs Nathaniel,

Rita went to get resin for the BA group and discovered your MA s have used it all. They must have taken it home, because they all know a technician must be present to oversee resin work and none of us have seen this much used all term. I don’t want to place chemical products under lock and key, but if we suspect they are being used recklessly, I will have to. Griff

To: Griff Technician (Maintenance)

From: Gela Nathanie

Date: 16 April 2024

Subject: Re: Resin use

Dear Griff,

I am so sorry. The MA group need resin to create texture on their installation. You’ll see they’ve made moulds to scale up radio components and are turning them out at a rate of knots. Patrick is especially good at working in this medium now. You’ll see it gives them more control over colour, as otherwise the genuine components are all grey and black. I’ll ask Jonathan to factor this into his budget and we’ll restock the cupboard as soon as possible. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Gela

Doodle message group MMAM ( FTP ), 16 April 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

Griff has noticed how much of his supplies we’re using up for the resin components. Please can we restock the cupboard and buy our own resin and hardener from now on.

Jem Badhuri

The budget is almost used up.

Jonathan Danners

I don’t think we factored in quite how many components it would take to cover that tunnel wall. Papier-maché is more cost-effective, even if resin gives us a better finish.

Ludya Parak

Papier-maché is so tedious. It’s doing my head in.

Jem Badhuri

Get your kids to do some.

Ludya Parak

Um, no. Because rented flat, kids and glue …

Patrick Bright

We need resin components to cover larger areas. I can work on shallower moulds. It also gives us a professional finish. Papier-maché tends to look like a school project.

Alyson Lang

It *is* a school project.

To: Gela Nathaniel

From: Mae Blackwell, RD 8 Systems Ltd

Date: 19 April 2024

Subject: Thank you

Dear Gela,

I hope you are well. It’s been so long since we met, I wonder how the students’ installation for ICES is coming along? May we organise a visit to Royal Hastings to log its progress and perhaps submit some feedback, so that anything we don’t like can be altered in good time?

Best wishes,

Mae Blackwell

To: MMAM ( FTP )

From: Gela Nathaniel

Date: 19 April 2024

Subject: A visit from RD 8

Dear all,

Mae and her team from RD 8 are scheduled to visit our studio at Royal Hastings next Thursday, 25 April. They will inspect our progress and highlight anything that gives them cause for concern. This will be a useful exercise in receiving, processing and responding to real-world client feedback. As those of you who have worked professionally know, this can be an important and sometimes frustrating part of the job. However, this space is a relatively safe one to explore and overcome the feelings that criticism can invoke.

Attendance in the studio on the day of RD 8’s visit is mandatory. Please, everyone, try to keep the studio tidy for that event.

Best wishes,

Gela

Doodle message group [Private] Gela and Cameron, 19 April 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

I need you to come in next Thursday.

Cameron Wesley

I told you, I’m on this job.

Gela Nathaniel

Not 24/7.

Cameron Wesley

YES.

Gela Nathaniel

Come on, this wasn’t part of the deal. I need MMAM to work for marketing professionals. You’re my poster boy and Alyson my poster girl. Neither of you has graced the studio in heaven knows how long!

Cameron Wesley

I didn’t realise everything would be sorted so soon. The boss terminated my contract after Somerset.

Gela Nathaniel

You’re the boss.

Cameron Wesley

I mean the client. I’m on something completely different now. Things change. That’s the nature of the business.

Gela Nathaniel

But where does that leave me?

Cameron Wesley

Exactly where you were before.

Doodle message group [Private] Gela and Alyson, 19 April 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

Please can you come in next Thursday? Meet and greet RD 8, show them around the studio and what we’ve done so far. You’re a key member of the team and they’re looking forward to meeting you.

Alyson Lang

The others will get by fine.

Gela Nathaniel

Jem is already suspicious you’re not coming in.

Alyson Lang

Just chill, FFS .

Gela Nathaniel

Chill? You said you’d do the course. Throw yourself into it. Please!

Alyson Lang

No promises.

Doodle message group [Private] Cameron and Jonathan, 19 April 2024:

Cameron Wesley

FYI , chat with Mae, below.

Mae

We’re concerned about kiss-kiss.

Cameron

I’ve told you. It’s safe.

Mae

Then let’s arrange for you to return it.

Cameron

Bit awkward. Put it somewhere safe, and now I’m on another job.

Mae

Do you want money? Is that it? Because if that’s the case, then I will have no hesitation in escalating my concerns.

Cameron

Don’t want money. There are things I can’t say at the moment, but it’s nothing for you to worry about.

Mae

Don’t fucking patronise me, Cam.

Cameron

I’m not. It’s safe and I’ll return it soon. Can’t talk.

Jonathan Danners

FFS , delete this from Doodle!

[Thread deleted]

Doodle message group MMAM ( FTP ), 19 April 2024:

Jem Badhuri

Can’t wait to see what Gela says about my Assignment Five. I’ve imagined losing something and feel really sad now. I didn’t realise how much it meant to me. Anyone else felt like that?

Jem Badhuri

Was tempted to throw something in clay as well, but pretty sure Gela will be happy with just a soundscape. What’s everyone else doing?

Jem Badhuri

Hello, klaxon! Calling all the MMAM s. Jem to MMAM s. Where is everyone?

Jem Badhuri

Oh well, if you want to ignore me online as well as in the studio, that’s fine.

Jem Badhuri’s Doodle Diary, 20 April 2024:

As soon as Dad mentioned he had to visit a client in Gloucester an idea popped into my head. I’d never have suggested I go with him on such a boring trip otherwise. He’s in the restaurant now, selling the owner as much catering equipment as he can, while I’m in the car dictating this diary into my phone. I’ve already looked up our next destination: the Danners Gallery. It has a four-and-a-half-star rating on Tripadvisor. Visitors like its homely feel and range of exhibits. It has a children’s art room and hosts a local photographic competition every year.

It’s just a visit to a friend’s family business. One I’ve heard a lot about over the last few months. It won’t seem strange that, being in the area, I asked Dad to drive us there. He never willingly goes to any art gallery, but when I impressed upon him how vital this visit is for my MA course, he agreed. Anyway he’s glad of the company on such a long drive.

That left the slight problem of my quota of components for the installation – we all took a bag home to work on over the weekend. After some gentle persuasion, Mum and Nani said they’d make them.

What do I expect to find when I get to Jonathan’s art gallery? I don’t know. Maybe it’s something in his voice, or maybe it’s me and my suspicious mind. Whatever reason, I didn’t mention my visit to him – or anyone on the course. Here’s Dad now, and he’s whistling! They must’ve bought a lot of cookers.

Doodle message group [Private]: Jem and Gela, 21 April 2024

Jem Badhuri

Can you send me the photographs you took in the studio?

Gela Nathaniel

Why?

Jem Badhuri

To show Mum and Nani. They’d love to see us all beavering away. Especially famous artist Alyson Lang, busy making her art.

Gela Nathaniel

I can’t let you have images of other students. Privacy issues, etc.

Jem Badhuri

I thought they were for the prospectus and don’t include faces?

Gela Nathaniel

OK, well, I’ll forward a selection.