Khirkeeyaan (khirkee-window / yaan-vehicle)
KhirkeeYaan is an exploration of an open-circuit tv system as a local area network communication, micro-media generation and feedback device.
It employed security apparatus,otherwise used for surveillance and 'secret' use. Cheap surveillance cameras and a quad processor, coupled with mics and an audio mixer and cable tv equimpemt: Rf modulator, Splitters, and metres of coax cable were laid out to form temporary communication systems for the 'use' of the community-at-large. TV's and electricity, consent and participation were sourced on-site(s) often drawing from a multitude of sources.
Four sets of cameras,TVs and mics were planted visibly with a 200 metre radius of each other. The cameras sat on top of the TVs. The quadrant comprising of sound and image from all four locations was fed back to the TVs, allowing the subject/viewer/performer/audience to interact with others in the quadrant. Video became the 'site' for these interactions and conversations.
ChitraKarKhana's prior media projects have employed cheap and accessible DIY video and editing software, hardware and skills to produce on-site 'televised' media. This project pushes that envelope of site,community media and technology further. Importantly,here the 'filmmaking' is automatic, made possible through eye-level communication, real-time feedback and the absense of cameraman and editor. The technology is even cheaper; no computers and DV technology, but commercially applied CCTV and CATV equipmnet.
The 7 episodes were generated through 7 sets of installations in different neighbourhoods in and around Khirkee Extension, New Delhi over 3 weeks, during an associate residency at Khoj studios, April, 2006.