Digital arts exhibition kicks off in Taichung

2015/09/02

A digital arts initiative kicked off Aug. 29 at Taichung City-based National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing the vibrancy of local cultural and creativity industries, as well as promoting awareness of the impact of the Internet on society.

Organized by NTMFA, the “2015 Digital Art Curatorial Exhibition Program─Internet Implosions” features eight digital and analogue pieces by talents from Taiwan, France, Germany, Japan and the U.S.

The three-category exhibition comprises Internet images, language and mechanisms. Images focus on distribution and post-production alteration; languages address codes, humanized software and online marketing; and mechanisms broach the use of crowdfunding, search engines and social media.

NTMFA curator Hsiao Tsung-huang said the initiative bears real relevance in today’s world as there is a need to examine prevailing arguments when it comes to using the Internet for creative experimentation. “Although the Internet delivers convenience, it also blurs the line between reality and the virtual world. This has seen changes in business models, interactions and social structures throughout our lives.”

Echoing Hsiao’s remarks, exhibition curator Chang Hsin said the aim of the event is to spark critical thinking on the extent of the Internet’s intervention in daily life. “This is why we used blue lighting to represent computer interfaces and encourage ‘users’ to roam freely and appreciate artworks in a manner akin to flitting between website pages.”

Exhibition highlights include the video “This DVD” by Taiwan singer-actor Ying Wei-min. His production criticizes the emptiness of online marketing and TV shopping through satirical promotion of a nonexistent DVD replete with flowery marketing jargon.

Equally impressive is Kim Asendorf from Germany’s crowdfunded installation “Internet NRG.” Visitors can buy energy drinks on the project’s website and position the cans on the sculpture, with delivery and installation updates available via live stream.

An added bonus for exhibition-goers on opening day was the one-day Lololol X Internet Yami-ichi Market. The innovative retail experience offered the virtual products and services of 23 artists within the physical confines of NTMFA. The exhibition wraps up Nov. 15 in the central Taiwan city.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=234474&ctNode=413)