TELSTAR-12

This project examines the weaponization of culture as a tool for regime change through the deconstruction and re-interpretation of western-influenced Iranian pop music videos. These videos were filmed in LA-based studios in the late 90s and early 2000s by members of the post-Islamic Revolution’s cultural diaspora and broadcast back to Iran illegally via satellite TV, as well as circulated via an underground bootleg VHS market.

The project includes a video collage with a live score, a live music video performance, and the creation of a music video for the song “Moist Towelette”. 

Performance history:
Polygon Gallery, March 2023
The Lido WARM Artist Residency, September 2019

Documentation from performance at the Polygon, March 2023
Photos by Michael Mann

Telstar-12 video collage + live score (recorded at the Lido Sept 8, 2019)