Company Information
This is Camp X-Ray was a live performance/installation lasting 9 days and nights in October 2003 on a piece of derelict land in Central Manchester. The 'camp' was a fully operational, life-size replica, of the camp at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba - the site of the detention of a number of terrorist suspects and their associates. The artists did extensive research on the media representations and news reports about the camp as well as using information from the internet to design and construct the site. Once construction was completed, 9 volunteer prisoners representing the 9 known British detainees held at Guantanamo Bay were transported to the compound. Their daily routine in the 'camp' was based on the daily routine of the prisoners in Cuba. They answered calls to prayers five times a day, they were subject to interrogations, tied in restraints, experienced sensory deprivation and guarded by soldiers 24 hours per day. The piece attracted interest from a large number of local residents who came to see the installation, some of whom volunteered to be guards or prisoners in the following days. Comments about the installation were posted on community message boards and internet groups. In addition to the resident community, the installation was likely seen by many thousands of passing commuters each day due to its visibility from a popular route in and out of Manchester City Centre.
By building this installation, the artists hoped to make visible the effects of the 'war on terror' that is being conducted in 'far away' places and encourage ordinary people to be aware of the situation at the camp. In the video documentary that chronicles the project, viewers are introduced to the family member of a Manchester resident held in Camp X-Ray at the time of the project. The detainee's sister discusses how her brother is not allowed access to a lawyer as well as her fears about his prolonged detention and the US government's plans for him.
UHC (Ultimate Holding Company) is a socially conscious, inter-disciplinary art collective, based in Manchester, UK. Their work challenges normative conceptions of capitalism, asylum seekers, graffiti and the commodification of public space.
