NEWTMANDERING

NEWTMANDERING

Newtmandering is a project exploring political systems.

The word gerrymander describes the manipulation of geographical boundaries for political gain. The word was created in reaction to the redrawing of election districts under Governor Elbridge Gerry in 1812. When mapped, one of the contorted districts in the Boston area was said to resemble the shape of a salamander.

Newtmandering is a thought experiment that uses the movement of a newt (a relative of the salamander) across a map of London to redistribute the London boroughs. Protest is usually undertaken by marginalised groups to express an objection to particular actions or policies. In London the segregation of communities and the outlawing of protest has led to a decrease in engagement over particular issues. Would the movement of the boroughs and the subsequent in/decrease in property value instill a desire in individuals to engage in societal issues that they had previously failed to acknowledge. Political leaflets were distributed in the Borough of Tower Hamlets and an afternoon of talks and discussions hosted at Toynbee Hall.

Series of Events and discussions, Custom made tank, Web cam, Processing and Issac the newt.