How Misinformation Leads to Conflict in 21st Century Politics

Three-part installation project that explores how misinformation influences political conflicts, focusing on the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War context.

Justice Equality and MisinformationCommunication

Three-part installation project representing different rocket installations.

Our research topic, titled 'How Misinformation Leads to Conflict in 21st Century Politics,' delves into the intricate implications of misinformation and its role in contemporary political conflicts, contextualising the discussion within the backdrop of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Spearheaded by a diverse team comprising Hasan Özüdoğru, Freya Liu, Dervla Quigley, and Natália Štojková, the project adopts an interdisciplinary approach, ensuring comprehensive exploration across various fields. By representing different rocket installations, each team member brings their unique expertise and perspective to the table, illuminating the multifaceted nature of misinformation in contemporary geopolitical struggles. They aim to present a nuanced understanding of the ongoing crisis, considering diverse narratives and biases prevalent in media coverage. Through research and collaborative endeavors, the team seeks to contribute to the broader discourse on misinformation's role in contemporary politics.

Natália Štojková

Digital Direction (MA)

Hasan Ozudogru

Sculpture (MA)

Freya Liu

Fashion (MA)

Dervla Anne Goodwin Quigley

Textiles (MA)

Sculptural composition comprised of miniature wooden segments derived from a larger rocket, suspended from a metal framework.

DISTORTED – 'Distorted' is a sculpture composed of 35 small missiles, arranged to form a larger missile shape. This artwork symbolises how small bits of disinformation can be weaponised into a larger, more dangerous entity. Despite often being perceived as unimportant, disinformation can pose significant risks and is frequently used by nations to escalate conflicts out of greed. Similar to disinformation circulating on the internet, the sculpture may not make sense when viewed from one perspective.

‘Distorted’: 3D Blender visualisations – Blender software has been utilised to create prototypes and visualise the potential final form of the sculpture. The sculpture’s inspiration stemmed from newly produced Russian missiles, first used by the Russian Military in the Ukrainian war. These missiles can travel extraordinary distances and possess the potential to reach major populated cities, causing extensive damage upon impact.

Making of ‘Distorted’ sculpture – The production process involved using a laser cutter to carve small rockets from 3mm MDF, a vertical metal saw to cut box-section mild steel, and a MIG welder to assemble the stand. Acrylic paint was applied to give the sculpture a realistic missile-like appearance. Plain colors were used to convey the concept in its purest form and underscore the importance and potential danger of this context.

DISTORTED – The nature of disinformation is akin to that of newly produced Russian Missiles. Once released on the internet or any platform, it spreads around the world swiftly, skewing the perception of viewers and influencing their thoughts. The use of disinformation as a weapon is not new, but with advancements in technology, it has become increasingly dangerous. It provides an opportunity for nations willing to start and escalate wars.

Our Rocket Crown project features a 3D model inspired by Ukrainian doll Motanka, traditionally wearing floral and wheat crowns.

ROCKET CROWN – Directing the missiles symbolises the two-way nature of the attack, both pointing outwards, symbolising outward aggression, and inwards, suggesting the self-destructive qualities of the conflict. This questions the very nature of justice in war, and the ambiguity and complexity of justice in war. This complex representation suggests that aggression, no matter where it is directed to, and the consequences of conflict can be catastrophic for both the attacker and the victim.

'Rocket Crown': 3D Rhino model – This project adopted an interdisciplinary approach, merging sculpture, fashion, and digital arts. Our collaborative effort integrated the unique perspectives of each group member, resulting in a comprehensive and multifaceted exploration of the subject matter.

'Rocket Crown': Inspiration and Meta Spark filter – The traditional Ukrainian Motanka inspired us, which serves as a symbol of guardianship of the home and wisdom. The protectionism of the Motanka contrasts with the aggressive nature of the missile and reveals the irony of war. Often claimed to be about protecting the home, the Motanka threatens those very places that are supposed to be protected.

Final Outcome of ROCKET CROWN sculpture.

ROCKET CROWN – The pure white colour chosen for the sculpture emphasises the erosion of peace and purity by war, distorting humanity in conflict and dissolving justice, as if groping through a fog of disinformation. This work not only questions the rationality of war, but also reflects on the challenge of seeking justice in a world of distorted information. It suggests that humanity may be shrouded in disinformation, where justice becomes blurred, and truth becomes a casualty.

The Felt Rocket juxtaposes elements of childlike innocence/vulnerability with the nature of missiles in the context of warfare.

KIDS’N ROCKETS – The Felt Rocket embodies themes of childlike innocence and vulnerability. By portraying a missile in a childlike and naive manner, the artwork underscores the helplessness of children who lack agency and are often overlooked in times of conflict. This deliberate contrast encourages viewers to reflect on the insidious impact of misinformation on vulnerable populations, particularly children, thereby prompting deeper consideration of the ethical and moral dimensions of contemporary warfare.

Making of 'Kids'N Rockets' felt rocket – The texture of felt represents coziness, comfort, and vulnerability. The colour of the felt is like grain. Ukraine is known as, ‘the breadbasket of Europe’ and produces many grains like, barley and rice. Dried grains come in many colour variations from white to brown. White can represent honesty and peace. Brown can mean resilience and sincerity.

Installation of 'Kids'N Rockets' felt rocket

KIDS’N ROCKETS

Experimental archival short film exploring the themes of disinformation and conflict.

Launch Project

Experimental archival short film 'What You See Is Not What You Hear.' – 'What you see is not What you hear' is an experimental video that plays with the viewer's senses of sight and hearing. It distorts their reality, creating confusion about whether what they see and hear simultaneously is genuine or out of context. This video was created to draw attention and provoke critical questions about the disinformation that is prevalent in our current times. The main inspiration behind this experimental film approach was Adam Curtis. Watch: https://vimeo.com/921970100?share=copy

How Misinformation Leads to Conflict in 21st Century Politics

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Royal College of Art