Constance ARI

In a relatively short period of time Media arts discourse has shifted dramatically, from a relatively disjunctive thesis based on Cartesian Dualism – (virtual versus real, analogue versus digital, disembodied versus embodied, mind versus body) towards a position of increasing interconnectedness. Early avant-guard film practices, for example, are being considered a valuable predecessor to emergent media, filling the archaeological gap and essentially re-writing media art histories.

Performing the Digital investigates the relevance of medium (media) in this so-called post-medium epoch. What separates new media from old media? And how are artists dealing with the always already new-ness of digital media. The three exhibiting artists share an interest in the aesthetic and conceptual transformation, brought about by new technology and media, questioning of the role of medium in this post- ?medium is the message? world.

The artists:
Jai McKenzie’s practice and academic research examines our relationship to photomedia technology and the related experiences of light, space and time. For 'Performing the Digital', McKenzie will re situate her work, The Machine Stops, an installation that engages with the viewers perceptual understanding of colour and light. Through this work McKenzie forces a reconsideration of colour-field abstraction using ‘expanded cinema’ technique.

Victoria Lawson’s photo and video works encompass performative interventions, installations and collaborations that engage in a critical conversation between art and the touristic and mobile, urban environment. Her critique of the embodied, social site of tourism results from the growing influence of tourism and mobility on globalisation. Lawson is exhibiting, Untitled 2009, a list of words relating to mobility; historically and socially indicating a field of movement.

Utilizing re- mix techniques, via digital and lens-less photographic technology, Amanda Williams practice and academic research investigates subjectivity and representation. This process takes into account and recognizes neo-avant guard conceptual practises, specifically re-photography, where such re-working seeks to query the veracity of the photograph. For 'Performing the Digital', Amanda will exhibit a new work titled 3:2 The Golden Ratio, an installation that comprises non photographic digital images, video and 'light boxes'.