Ordinal (SW/NE) is based on the overlaying of two systems: agrilogistics and geomancy. Agrilogistics is a term promoted by philosopher Timothy Morton in explaining the trajectory of human ascendancy (Anthropocene) in organizing the planet to maximize food production. Agrilogistics is the way the world is organized and also is the source of the spectrum of human imaginings: science, religion, philosophy, aesthetics, and politics. Agrilogistics is ruthlessly efficient and totalizing. Geomancy, in our case, is presented as the organization of the world through aesthetic means (divination).
Valley fever is a disease which is caused by the coccidioidomycosis fungus. The fungus
lives in the soil until it is unearthed. The fungus spherules ride in the wind/dust until ingested by the host lung, eventually settling into the ends of the bronchial alveoli where, if unchecked, multiplies and spreads throughout the body leading to fatal results.
Valley fever is the intersection of dust, wind, and plague. A geomantic being also shares this axis: the ancient Assyrian demon, Pazuzu. Pazuzu is the demon/god of the southwest wind who brings about desolation through pestilence. He is the geomantic manifestation of valley fever.
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1. Valley Fever Public Service Announcement with Dr. Antje Lauer
HD video
Dr. Antje Lauer, a biologist at California State University, Bakersfield, speaks about the
causes and effects of coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as valley fever. The disease, which is endemic to California's Central Valley, is caused by a fungal spore that resides in the soil. Humans may become infected by the spore when it is airborne on the wind and inhaled.
Appearances: Dr. Antje Lauer, Abdel Dalia, Frank Cervantes
Directors: Rini Yun Keagy and Miljohn Ruperto
Director of Photography: Daryl Gilmore
Editor: Rini Yun Keagy
Colorist: Chris Chan Lee
Production Assistants: Sanna Groven, Josiah Ihem
2. Pazuzu
HD video
6 frame loop
In ancient Mesopotamian mythology, Pazuzu is the demon of the southwest wind. He is
believed to bring about drought and famine. In this video, an image of Pazuzu is animated using wiggle stereoscopy, a technique in which an illusion of depth is created by rapidly alternating between two images. If one faces the ordinal direction of southwest, one can view Pazuzu’s horrific appearance.
Pazuzu: Justin Streichman
Photographer: Rini Yun Keagy
Costume: Candace Lin, Katherine Cutts, Alexis Noriega
3. Re-animating a Photograph of a Dust Storm
For two days in December 1977, an enormous dust storm engulfed the Southern San
Joaquin Valley, causing severe and widespread destruction. A photograph of that dust
storm, taken by then-Chevron Oil employee Sam Chase from an airplane, is animated
digitally in a continuous loop.
Original photograph (used by permission): Sam Chase (1977)
Compositor/ Animator: David Parker
Researcher: Alana Axley
4. The Grapes of Wrath end scene
An enactment of the final scene of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. The scene
takes place outside of Bakersfield during the Great Depression/Dust Bowl. Rose of Sharon, who has just given birth to a stillborn child, saves the life of a starving man.
In ancient Mesopotamia, the demon Lamashtu preyed on infants and unborn children.
Pregnant women and new mothers would wear amulets with the likeness of the demon
Pazuzu, who in addition to being a malignant force, was also a warding demon who
kept Lamashtu at bay.
Rose of Sharon Joad: Chelsea Rector
Dying Man: Peter Lucas
Adapted from: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (1939)
Directors: Rini Yun Keagy and Miljohn Ruperto
Director of Photography: Daryl Gilmore
Editor: Rini Yun Keagy
Colorist: Chris Chan Lee
Production Assistants: Sanna Groven, Josiah Ihem
Locations and Props: Jessica Cardon
Costumes: Mandy Rees, California State University, Bakersfield Theatre Department
Special Thanks
Dr. Antje Lauer
Jedediah Caesar
Sarah Vanderlip
David Parker
Abdel Dalia
Jessica Cardon
Candice Lin
Chris Chan Lee
Asher Hartman
Josiah Ihem
Sanna Groven
Katherine Cutts
Alana Axley
California State University, Bakersfield Department of Biology
California State University, Bakersfield Department of Art
California State University, Bakersfield Department of Music and Theatre
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Jordan Lietz