Segue abaixo o press release.
quem estiver por perto será muito bem vindo!
Test_Lab: Happiness (Program)
date: 10 Jul 2008 20:00-00:00
location: V2_ Eendrachtsstraat 10, Rotterdam
admission: free
This event will be streamed live at http://live.v2.nl
Test_Lab is a bi-monthly public event organised by V2_ Institute for the Unstable Media that provides an informal setting for the presentation, demonstration, testing, and discussion of artistic research and development (aRt&D).
Opening by Bas Haring (University of Leiden)
Demonstrations:
Deranged by Bogomir Doringer (Gerrit Rietveld Academy)
Schiedam Schnapps by Salvador L. d'Souza (Piet Zwart Institute)
PlaySureVeillance by Gordan Savicic (Piet Zwart Institute)
Designing Social Cohesion by Nynke Tromp (Delft University of Technology)
Diceman, Breaking Conventions with a Die by Michiel Waaijer (University of Leiden)
m/e/m/e 2.0 by Danja Vasiliev (Piet Zwart Institute)
Taiknam hat by Ricardo de Oliviera Nascimento (Kunstuniversität Linz, Interface Culture), i.c.w. Ebru Kurbak and Fabiana Shizue
It is remarkable that while the pursuit of happiness is often regarded as the purpose of one's life, in the arts, literature, and popular culture, negative subject matter or 'doom' often prevails over happy themes or utopian concepts; the lack of drama in the latter generally regarded as less exciting. Numerous examples of this negative focus can be found in popular computer games where the market-leading games like World of War Craft and Grant Theft Auto center around cruelty, death, destruction and doom.
In the electronic arts, it can also be said that 'doom' prevails. In today's electronic and media art's curatorial practice rather dark program themes seem to have become the norm, and critics generally review positive art as conservative or esoteric. In this context, it is no wonder that artists have over the last decades become prophets of doom and often focus on morose issues regarding today's technology-driven society; through controversial use of technology, macabre persiflage, conspiracy theory, and many other forms of critique against techno-utopian ideas.
In response to this trend, a counter movement has started to surface of artists with a strong anti-conformist view regarding the accentuation of the (potential) negative aspects of the current technology and media landscape. In the footsteps of acknowledged thinkers, an increasing number of artists search for more humanistic views and emotional aspects of computing and media technology, pointing out new forms of intimacy, (social) interaction, multimodal sensations, esotericism, psychedelics, and garments. Boring? Not enough drama? We think not. These artists make their humorous statements by, for instance, inventing witty and uncommon uses for new technology, joking with our everyday dependence on media, and presenting unexpected reflections on the quality of life. Those convinced by prophesised doom scenarios may come out feeling cheated after attending this edition of Test_Lab, in which the return of happiness is celebrated and the true revolutionary artists appear to be those that counterbalance the overload of attention to war games and shocking projects through laughter and joy.
This Test_lab will showcase a selection of 2008's most outstanding graduation projects from some of the finest European art academies and universities. Together, the demonstrated works will broaden our horizons regarding a young generation's utopian, esoteric, and psychedelic views on our technology-driven world of mediated intimacy, ubiquitous interaction, and extended bodies. Prepare for an evening full of electronic art dealing with today's notions of peace, love, and happiness!
Performances:
Test_Lab <3 STEIM, this edition of Test_Lab will feature performances by current STEIM members Byungjun Kwon and dj sniff.
In a grim time when its structural funding is at risk, STEIM has started a new series called <3 STEIM (<3 being the character set to represent the symbol of "heart." ). Not only did we want to call for support but also show our love to the music and expression we are involved with. In the end its this positive energy that gets us through hard times.
This concert program will feature two of the newest members of STEIM coming from two of the lowest ranked developing countries in life happiness. There is a reason why these artists leave their familiar environment to pursue larger artistic goals and happiness is definitely a factor.
Preceding Test_Lab: Happiness on the 10th of July, the exhibition Six years of creative research will open in the former Nederlands Fotomuseum, Witte de Withstraat 63, in Rotterdam. The exhibition will feature selected works by students from the Media Technology programme; a joined initiative by Leiden University's computer science institute (LIACS) and the Faculty of Creative and Performing Arts. Opening: July 10, from 17h to 18.30h (opening lecture by Koert van Mensvoort at 15h). Exhibition: July 11-13 and July 17-20, from 12h to 18h.
For more information, please contact Michel van Dartel Email michel@v2.nl Tel +31 (0)10 7501521
