As the distinctions between the digital and the material worlds become increasingly blurred, the way we think about art, society and technology is radically shifting. In the latest exhibition at Artspace, Amongst the clouds (digital materialities in the 21st century), we see a group of six artists exploring new ways that art and technology can work together to shape our physical and digital worlds.
The result is an intriguing collection of work that proves that, while new technologies are worth exploring as part of creative practice, human intervention is essential for creating inspired and interesting art.
Bombay-based artist Archana Hande’s immersive installation ‘Weaving Light’ transforms an entire room – a warm source of light permeates from a central column of Jacquard loom punch cards, casting intricate patterns in the shadows and onto viewers themselves (referencing Ada Lovelace, the artist explores the changing nature of industrialisation in a postcolonial world). On the other end of the spectrum, London-based artist Lawrence Lek’s ‘Guanyin (Confessions of a Former Carebot)’ invites us to play a videogame featuring a cyborg therapist; and local Sydney artist Sophie Penkethman-Young’s ‘Robot // Dog’ is a kaleidoscopic video essay on human relationships with programmable beings – from service robots, to pedigree dogs – that might affect the way you look at your four-legged friend.
As you enter the busiest space of the exhibition, the soundscape grows more noisy, more chaotic – a fitting reflection of the duelling forces of pleasure and anxiety that saturate our digitally-overloaded modern existence.
Amongst the clouds is a timely exhibition, and one which is making a clear attempt to push the conversation about technology and art in interesting new directions, rather than simply tick the box of the hot-button issue of the moment (ie. AI). It also emphasises Artspace’s longstanding commitment of supporting artists experimenting with new technologies.
Time Out tip: There are no plaques on the walls, so be sure to pick up a catalogue on your way into the exhibition; and also allow yourself time to sit with the video installations.
Amongst the clouds is now open at Artspace, Wolloomooloo, and runs until Sunday, July 20. The accompanying program features talks, performances and workshops. Find out more over here.
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