Rough Machine/Soft Power

In this work, Punkasila explores how confusion and fear are managed as cultural capital in society. For those in power, such as the state, the marketplace, and paramilitary groups, creating and managing disorder is a valuable political capital. For oppressed social groups, however, confusion is a way to combat the domination of the regime in power. On the streets, social groups can stand up to authoritarian power by making noise and planned presentations. The uproar of machine noise, choreographing driving routes, and various other performances are a common language in the battlefield of contesting power.