Guest-curated exhibition to open November 14, 2008
The Futurist-like newspeak that is often used to describe new media and web-based artworks is amusing, but limited. Technology is a tool, not necessarily a portal to another universe. Text messages, social networking web sites like Facebook and MySpace, weblogs and a revolving door of tech-dujour applications promise to make our day to day lives easier and more efficient. Accessing information is no longer an overwhelming task — but a seductive, pleasurable experience. Instant knowledge delivered through the quick touch of a screen — faster than the flip of a switch. In other words, we are entranced by the “WOW” effect of new technologies.
PREDRIVE: After Technology features new works by six international artists including Takeshi Murata, Brody Condon, Paperrad, Gretchen Skogerson and Antoine Catala that interrogate the “aesthetics of immediacy” produced by these technologies in contemporary art. The exhibition, guest-curated by Melissa Ragona, explores themes of digital effects and dysfunctions, readymade cyber-kitsch, software aesthetics and the performativity of digital environments in real space.
An opening reception will take place on Friday, November 14, from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Mattress Factory’s Annex Gallery located at 1414 Monterey Street on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Throughout the duration of the exhibition, a series of performances, video programs and educational activities will take place at The Mattress Factory and other venues throughout the city of Pittsburgh. The series will be kicked off by one of the exhibition’s artists, Takeshi Murata — who will curate a video and performance program, “Heavy Light,” which will feature a number of New York City-based film and video makers at Pittsburgh Fillmmakers on Saturday, November 8, at 8 p.m.
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