"Sleeper Cell" by Jason Thomson
Audio (2005)

"Sleeper cells" are said by security sources to be in place worldwide, strangers who drift into towns and cities, and become invisible. Whilst going about their daily business they wait, awaiting the signal which will send them on their fateful journeys. These groups of individuals attempt to blend in with their communities, undertaking jobs, taking part in everyday activities. They could be next to you on the train, in the supermarket or at an exhibition opening, interacting just enough so as to blend in.

This work is sound based, compositions created entirely from Al Jazeera broadcasts of Osama Bin Laden, banned speeches believed by many to contain the signals to activate the awaiting sleeper cells. The component phrases and codes are unrecognisable in the overal composition, reflecting the idea of the hidden sleeper cell. They could be mistaken for the faint hum of machines, or modern air conditioning units. These noises, experienced daily, become barely noticeable due to their everyday repetition. The compositions also have this quality: barely audible, slight buzzes and clicks occurring randomly, grabbing the attention of the audience. The surrounding ambience of the gallery mingles with the work: the noise from the street, the telephone at reception. Playing on shuffle, the compositions create a soundtrack to the show, hums and clicks creating varying moods similar to the way sound complements film.

"sleeper cell" by Jason Thomson, as installed by aas at city gallery, 2005

Jason Thomson is based in Corby and currently studying MA Fine Art at DeMontford University. He references topical subjects to address issues of fear and paranoia, and works in a variety of media including audio, photography, installation, text and suggestion.

As well as creating work from the actual soundwaves of execution victims Jason Thomson has recently developed a method for the exhibition of invisible sculptures. This ongoing body of work has also produced a work enabling the middle of nowhere to be pinpointed.