Echoes of Severance by Ayman Qabbani

A fragment of a fractured future, woven from the remnants of a globalized past.

What if a single tweet could unravel the global economy?

Echoes of Severance: A cartographic exploration of how personalized sanctions reshape global workforce dynamics and trigger a shift towards localized resilience.

Qabbani_8055, Jordan

Description

In a world destabilized by personalized economic sanctions, understanding the intricate connections of global trade becomes crucial. This work presents a complex cartography of interconnected crises – workforce precarity, regulatory instability, and rampant misinformation. Through intricate diagrams, resembling ancient maps, the project reveals the hidden pathways through which a single political statement can disrupt global economies. It invites reflection on the fragility of our interconnected systems. Deciphering these patterns illuminates the emerging reliance on localized resources, the evolution of alternative trade networks, and the precarious journey individuals undertake in navigating the fragmented landscape of this new world.

Context

The world is a mosaic of fractured states, where once-bustling trade routes have become quiet corridors. Communities, reminiscent of ancient caravanserais, rely on local ingenuity and barter economies. Traditional skills are revived, and knowledge is shared through whispered networks, creating an ecosystem of trust amid global uncertainty. Digital connectivity is fragmented like a network. Distrust is viral. Information resembles treasured artifacts, prone to distortion. The environment reflects a return to pre-industrial practices, a blend of necessity and renewed ecological awareness. The culture embraces a renewed sense of community with a 'make-do-and-mend' mentality, emphasizing self-reliance.

Provocation

This project demands a critical assessment of our interconnected world. It serves as a warning about the fragility of global systems, especially in trade. Consider the dangers of weaponizing information that damages personal opinion. What systems of are you a part of, and how vunerable are you?

Qabbani_8055's process

Drawing from cartography, sacred geometry, and Jordanian cultural heritage, Qabbani layers meticulous research with intricate visual representations. The influences of geometric patterns, representing interconnection, and the crossroads of culture enhance the exploration. Mirroring the historical movements within the region. The project uses a speculative design process: beginning with data analysis and abstract mapping using cartographic principles. The artist reveals and interprets a world where personal actions trigger global trade breakdowns, generating diagrams and counterfactual models, to visualize complex systems, and how misinformation and personal actions can ripple into catastrophic global consequences, prompting a deep consideration of interdependent structures.

More about Qabbani_8055

Events leading to ‘Echoes of Severance’

2024: Increasing instances of minor trade skirmishes based on social media posts by company CEOs.

2025: First major trade sanction imposed by a G20 nation based on a government leader's personal blog post.

2026: Retaliatory sanctions escalate, leading to the fragmentation of several major trade agreements.

2027: Formation of regional trade blocs based on ideological alignment rather than economic benefit.

2028: Localized Resource Hubs starts organically growing in popularity.

2029: Skills-Based Migration Network organically starts operations.

Imagined Future Scenarios Considered

Qabbani_8055 considered the following imagined future scenarios while working on this project

Countries begin to sanction trade and/or tariffs based on a company or government leader's personal actions such as a public comment, tweet, or a personal relationship.

Extrapolated from Trump Declares Economic War on Just About Everyone That Matters. Is a Smash-Up a Feature and Not a Bug? - Nakedcapitalism.com

Hypothetical Product Ideas Considered

Qabbani_8055 considered the following hypothetical product ideas while working on this project

Localized Resource Hubs

Community-based resource centers where individuals and groups can share and barter essential goods and skills, building resilience against supply chain disruptions and economic hardship caused by widespread sanctions and trade collapse. Focuses on food, water, and basic medical supplies.

Skills-Based Migration Network

A decentralized network connecting skilled workers with communities facing shortages due to sanctions and economic collapse. It facilitates the voluntary relocation of individuals with critical skills (e.g., farming, medicine, engineering) to areas where they are most needed, promoting mutual support and survival.

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