CARGO-CULT is a multidisciplinary creative project & collaborative forum. It’s meant to evolve over time in ways that can’t be planned or predicted. The only real constraints are thematic, along with an emphasis on analog vs. digital, physical vs. virtual, & spontaneous discovery over controlled outcomes.
The project was initially conceived by Josh James, an installation artist with a background in theatrical scenic arts, music & photography. Josh is a 2015 Creative Capital grant recipient, a 2014 Sundance New Frontier fellow, and was a presenter at the 2013 Sundance International Film Festival. He’s a frequent collaborator with Klip Collective, a Philadelphia based video installation design studio. He also worked as a set builder, lighting designer, music composer & stagehand in the local Philadelphia performing arts scene, starting in 2005.
The CARGO-CULT process started with a traditional approach to mise-en-scène. Each piece is developed as a spatial arrangement in miniature using natural materials, sculptural elements, and model constructions. Lighting, and in some cases atmospheric effects and movement, all take place within the physical setting. The result is then captured using macro photography & videography.