Royal Hastings, University of London Multimedia Art MA Final Project

Candidate name: Ludya Parak

Candidate number: 0883481

Later stages:

The project slid from regular failure to full-on disaster long before the later stages. When RD 8 came to the studio, all 200 of them, and sent us pages of feedback, it was yet another turning point downwards. Everyone split off into their own hell.

This stage is always a headache. The client can literally turn round and say, ‘Don’t like it, start again.’ It wasn’t that bad, but for Jem, changing the design felt like the end of the world. For the rest of us, the world had already ended and this was just some weird twilight existence. OK, I’m being dramatic, but it is dramatic.

At the same time it started to hit us that we actually had to do the installation. People were expecting a tunnel and a giant head sculpture, accompanied by a multimedia showcase of the company’s history. I could feel the pressure crowd in on me. Why do I put myself through this? I didn’t choose to be here. I was chosen because I’m a jobbing designer. Like that would make me any better at passing for an art student.

So Jonathan holes himself up in the house with the voice, and that’s where he and Suzie stay. He’s obsessed. When I go round to find out exactly where I stand, he keeps me at the door. But I need to know what I should say. If he doesn’t tell me what to say, I’ll have to tell the truth – when I’m asked. I end up shouting, and Jonathan hisses at me to keep my mouth shut, this is nothing to do with AetherGen now.

‘Gela deserves us to graduate, though, right? She’s put her career on the line, we owe her that.’

He looked at me like we don’t owe anyone anything. This is way above my pay-grade. All I can do is make the components, work on the tunnel, finish the multimedia presentation and deal with the inevitable when it comes.

Doodle message group [Private] Jem and Patrick, 21 May 2024:

Jem Badhuri

Hi Pat, long time no see. The tunnel’s nearly finished, isn’t it?

Patrick Bright

It’s not far off, but everyone’s slacked off. Ludya’s working on the screen presentation, you’re on the sculpture. I haven’t seen Jonathan for over a week. Alyson’s flitting in and out. Cameron’s a distant memory. Even Gela seems preoccupied with other things.

Jem Badhuri

Well, the head is stunning and the soundscape will be brilliant.

Patrick Bright

Could you make some more components, please? You did well with them before and you’ve always been ace at papier-maché. These ones are much bigger and less fiddly. I can leave all the stuff on your table. Please?

Doodle message group MMAM ( FTP ), 21 May 2024:

Jem Badhuri

Why should I do more work just because everyone else wants to do less?

Jem Badhuri

Where are you all? No one’s on Doodle any more and the studio’s deserted. I’ve been making conversation with Griff every day.

Jem Badhuri’s Doodle Diary, 21 May 2024:

The head is finished! I’m not troubled by doubt much, but when to stop work on a piece is something I have to think long and hard about. I enjoy the process so much. The head in particular has been a great experience. From making the wire frame with Gela the day they all went to Somerset up until now, the moment I realised ‘This is it!’ It’s a giant human head textured with unfired clay and inset with the tiniest components we had, plus ball bearings to give the surface texture and nuance. If you run your fingers over it, the steel of the ball bearings sends shivers down your spine. Now it’s finished, I’ve been thinking about that old radio. It came back from Somerset when Alyson – or Suzie – didn’t.

To: Polly Johnson, Mae Blackwell’s Office

From: Jonathan Danners

Date: 27 May 2024

Subject: ICES launch

Dear Polly,

I’m project leader for Royal Hastings’ installation at your ICES launch on Thursday. Can we firm up your requirements for our arrival and set-up? We have one Luton van and a people-carrier. There will be five of us, a driver who won’t stay, and our tutor, Gela, who will arrive separately and won’t be involved in the construction.

I need to check we can dispose of our packaging material and other refuse in your incinerator. Ideally we’ll get rid of the entire installation immediately after the event. I need to check what access we’ll need for that.

Jonathan Danners

Project Manager

To: Jonathan Danners

From: Polly Johnson, Mae Blackwell’s Office

Date: 27 May 2024

Subject: Re: ICES launch

Hi John,

I’ll need both vehicle registrations, and make sure everyone brings a passport or other photo ID . You’ll be issued Level B access passes, so you can go in and out of the gate multiple times while setting up. Please forward asap. Our incinerators are switched on once or twice a week, but you can leave your rubbish in any of the big bins – you can’t miss them.

Cheers,

Pol

To: Polly Johnson, Mae Blackwell’s Office

From: Jonathan Danners

Date: 27 May 2024

Subject: Re: ICES launch

Hi Pol,

The thing is, our installation contains volatile materials, such as resin, varnish and other solutions. I’d feel much happier if I could see it go into the flames myself. Can you find out when the incinerators will be working that week?

Jonathan

To: Jonathan Danners

From: Polly Johnson, Mae Blackwell’s Office

Date: 27 May 2024

Subject: Re: ICES launch

It’s switched on only when there’s enough material to burn. Our site management team are super-thorough. They check through all our rubbish, sort out any recyclable material and dispose of everything in the most efficient and eco-friendly manner. They know all about volatile materials. We even have a filtration system on our chimney to minimise air-pollutants.

Pol

To: Polly Johnson, Mae Blackwell’s Office

From: Jonathan Danners

Date: 27 May 2024

Subject: Re: ICES launch

Cheers Pol, that’s good to know. I saw the chimney when we last visited the site. At least it isn’t far from the event location. Thanks for your help – I’ll make sure you get everything you need in good time.

Jonathan

Doodle message group MMAM ( FTP ), 27 May 2024:

Jonathan Danners

Everyone remember to bring your passports to the event. Ludya, your vehicle reg, please.

Patrick Bright

I don’t have a passport. Help! What shall I do?

Jonathan Danners

Any photo ID , driving licence, etc.

Doodle message group MMAM ( FTP ), 27 May 2024:

Ludya Parak

OK, so the screen presentation is almost done. Would appreciate everyone taking a look and telling me what’s shit about it. For the love of dogs, someone check my spelling on the subtitles. I discharge all responsibility.

Gela Nathaniel

Thank you, Ludya. I’ll send a link to Mae.

Jonathan Danners

Good work, Luds. Should we have a voiceover as well as subtitles? Just thinking about accessibility for the visually impaired.

Ludya Parak

I shitting didn’t think of that! Fuck! Who’s got the clearest voice? Pat, can you record the voiceover tomorrow?

Patrick Bright

If you think my voice is good enough. What time do you want me?

Jem Badhuri

We can’t have a voiceover blasting out over my soundscape.

Jonathan Danners

We promised RD 8 the installation would be accessible.

Jem Badhuri

We’re not having a sign-language interpreter, are we? If RD 8 really wanted full accessibility, they shouldn’t have thrown out my plans for headphone ports. That would’ve solved the problem.

Patrick Bright

Perhaps we could ask Mae if any of their guests are visually impaired?

Jem Badhuri

No one is interested in the history of RD 8 – least of all the visually impaired. If there are any on the guest list, which I doubt, they’ll be too busy appreciating my soundscape to bother about the multimedia display. But if, by some chance, a partially sighted visitor wants to experience the installation, I’ll take them round it myself.

Ludya Parak

So shall I record Patrick’s voiceover tomorrow?

Jonathan Danners

Yes, please.

Jem Badhuri

NO!

Ludya Parak

Sorted then. Thanks.

To: MMAM ( FTP )

From: Gela Nathaniel

Date: 28 May 2024

Subject: The final project

Dear all,

I am beyond delighted to declare the final project finished! Well, artistically. We’ve still to work out the final logistics of the night itself, which I note is shockingly close … but something else is closer: the deadline for your long essays. Please submit your essay to me, in person, at the admin office, 12 p.m. tomorrow. I very much look forward to reading them all.

Once that’s done, I suggest you experiment with packing the installation, ready for transportation, so that you iron out any potential hitches in advance and everything goes smoothly on the night. You must take any equipment for setting up. Our client will not be in a position to supply scissors, glue, string or anything else. Remember, you may need to repair any damage that happens in transit, so be prepared.

I’ll see you all tomorrow!

Gela

Doodle message group [Private] Gela and Jonathan, 28 May 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

I’m contacting everyone privately to check they’re happy about both the long essay and the installation.

Jonathan Danners

This has been the worst year of my life.

Gela Nathaniel

Not because of the course, though? You’re happy with the course?

Jonathan Danners

I’m happy it’s nearly over.

Doodle message group [Private] Gela and Jem, 28 May 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

I’m contacting everyone privately to check they’re happy about both the long essay and the installation.

Jem Badhuri

My essay is brilliant, my work for the installation outstanding. I know my coursework grades add up to a Distinction. Unfortunately my soundscape – which is genuinely groundbreaking – will be obliterated by Patrick droning about RD 8’s radar technology in the Second World War. All because I threw a piece of clay at Ludya six months ago. Petty.

Gela Nathaniel

In the pitch meeting last year you assured RD 8 the installation would be accessible.

Jem Badhuri

So hordes of non-existent visually-impaired guests won’t get the historical context. My bad.

Doodle message group [Private] Gela and Patrick, 28 May 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

I’m contacting everyone privately to check they’re happy about both the long essay and the installation.

Patrick Bright

Grand, Gela, thank you. My essay is almost done, the installation looks amazing. Everyone’s a bit short with each other, but that’s because we all want the event to go well. I’m sure it will.

Gela Nathaniel

Thank you, Patrick. I need that injection of positivity right now!

Patrick Bright

Oh, easy being positive when the nightmare’s nearly over.

Doodle message group [Private] Gela and Ludya, 28 May 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

I’m contacting everyone privately to check they’re happy about both the long essay and the installation.

Ludya Parak

Happy? You know shit didn’t go to plan.

Gela Nathaniel

I gather that. But like I’ve said from the start, that’s not my concern. I need 100% engagement with this course. If ‘shit didn’t go to plan’, you still have to complete it to the best of your abilities.

Ludya Parak

You don’t know how hard that is.

Doodle message group [Private] Gela and Cameron, 28 May 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

I’m contacting everyone privately to check they’re happy about both the long essay and the installation.

Cameron Wesley

Can’t do either. Kiss-kiss.

Doodle message group [Private] Gela and Alyson, 28 May 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

I’m contacting everyone privately to check they’re happy about both the long essay and the installation.

Alyson Lang

For the long essay, you can have a draft I started months ago.

Gela Nathaniel

Where are you? Please tell me.

Alyson Lang

I’m not far away.

Gela Nathaniel

Is this Suzie or Jonathan?

Gela Nathaniel

For God’s sake, Jem thinks you’re missing or … I don’t know what, but she’s on to you, and all I can say is she’d better not be right.

Gela Nathaniel

What happened in Somerset?

Doodle message group [Private] Jem and Hannah, 28 May 2024:

Jem Badhuri

Hi Hannah. How will our installation at RD 8 be marked?

Hannah O’Donnell

Gela awards marks in the first instance. Then an external examiner oversees the entire course marks and grading.

Jem Badhuri

Who is the external examiner?

Hannah O’Donnell

A trusted academic appointed by Central admin to ensure the final grades are a fair and transparent representation of the work submitted.

Jem Badhuri

How do I get in touch with the external examiner?

Hannah O’Donnell

You don’t. That’s the whole point. The external examiner has no connection to the candidates whatsoever.

Doodle message group [Private] Hannah and Gela, 28 May 2024:

Hannah O’Donnell

Just a heads-up, Jem was asking how to get in touch with the external examiner.

Gela Nathaniel

Holy smoke! The girl is desperate for a Distinction. It makes me wonder if this is how she got a First from West Mids.

Hannah O’Donnell

Her marks are in the top percentile. She’s on course for the maximum grade. I didn’t tell her that of course, but it’s easy to work out.

Gela Nathaniel

I have to ask – there’s no way she can get hold of the external examiner, is there?

Hannah O’Donnell

If she does, I’d like to know how. The system is impenetrable, even for those of us with the right links and passwords! Thought I’d warn you, that’s all.

Doodle message group [Private] Jem and Jonathan, 29 May 2024:

Jem Badhuri

Now we’ve finished the installation and there’s only the event itself to go, can you tell me if Alyson is OK? Only she never came back from Somerset. An old radio did instead. Now both seem to be missing.

Jonathan Danners

Concentrate on your own work, Jem.

Jem Badhuri

That’s the problem. This course is supposed to develop teamwork skills. I don’t want someone who abandoned the course halfway through to benefit from my consistent hard work. I’m contacting the external examiner, so he’s aware of the issues.

Jonathan Danners

You want a Distinction. You should be working day and night, like any good student at this stage in their course.

Jem Badhuri

When the event is over, I might ask Mae if they’ll let me visit the Somerset museum with Dad. He’ll drive me anywhere.

Jonathan Danners

Even to a tiny art gallery in Gloucester. Barbara said a girl came in with her father and asked probing questions about me.

Jem Badhuri

Just wanted to see the gallery I’d heard so much about. It’s very nice. Could do with a soundscape or two, but we can chat about that when I’m ready to start my business. Why did you tell us your mum and sister died ten years ago, when it was two? Why lie about being married to Alyson, whose name is Suzie?

Jonathan Danners

You, of all people, should know how important self- ID is.

Jem Badhuri

But if you tell people the wrong facts, that’s lying. Isn’t it?

Jonathan Danners

Ethics is hardly my area of expertise, but it’s my understanding that we can each present ourselves however we like. The only person on this course who needs to know the truth is Gela, and she does. It’s no one else’s business.

Jem Badhuri

What *is* your area of expertise?

Jonathan Danners

Climate science.

Doodle message group [Private] Gela and Jonathan, 29 May 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

Your essays!

Jonathan Danners

We all submitted on time, didn’t we?

Gela Nathaniel

But you’ve all said too much, surely? Even Suzie and Ludya give too much away.

Jonathan Danners

There’s something cathartic about writing everything down. It won’t matter after tomorrow night.

Gela Nathaniel

I only hope the external examiner doesn’t download them before I can rewrite them and, with the event tomorrow, I don’t know when I’ll have time.

Jonathan Danners

Thanks, Gela, but you won’t have to worry about that.