Mery Jara: Astro Noise by Laura Poitras

Laura Poitra, a director and producer created an exhibit called Astro Noise located at the Whitney Museum. The exhibit concentrates on the tragic events that happen on 9/11. There is a collection of documents, footage and videos. The atmosphere was very dark. It was understandable why it was dark because 9/11 was a very tragic event where many people passed away from a terrorist attack. When one sees the videos being played, the audience gets to view people’s faces during that time. Their faces showed how tragic they felt viewing two towers collapsing knowing people were inside the building suffering to be alive one extra day. We as the audience can also view their expressions in their face as they view the remains of 9/11. This exhibit shows many forms of media. The exhibit stretches across many rooms. The footage was filmed in slow motion. The good thing about filming in slow motion is that the audience would get to grasp every piece there is to observe of the footage. Recording something in slow motion, also gives a personal and intimate feeling to the audience. By watching something as intimate as people’s emotions of the remains of the 9/11 attack, we as the audience begin to feel the same way and get to connect in some way. As one walks through the exhibit, people get to view every center piece of the exhibit and get intrigued by it. There is a moment where you feel like you are living in that moment. Even the title of the piece: Astro Noise is a great title for the exhibit. The word “astro” reminds me of the outer space and how there is no sound over there and no gravity. The word “noise” is basically one being able to hear a sound called noise. By placing both words together ‘astro noise,” it basically gives people a feeling of what is being meant. A tragic event that made a lot of sound and tragedy and then afterwards, only remains was left with a huge memory to remember forever.

Mery Jara: Astro Noise by Laura Poitras