When first approaching the Media Union, a fierce drumbeat seemed to make the windows vibrate, while a high-pitched, electronic techno melody slipped through the cracks of the doors. Such a combination was unfamiliar to most, but it was just one of a variety of unfamiliar combinations at the Immedia 2002 art exhibition.
- Paul Wong
- I don”t know art, but I know what I like.<br><br>Courtesy of Immedia
The Immedia art exhibition was developed by a group of creative thinkers called “Entity,” which wanted to expand artistic possibilities through electronics. This group, as well as the entire Immedia community, believes that the advancement of technology does not go hand in hand with a loss of personal expression.
The union of art and technology is a sign that we have entered the digital world. This exhibit in particular also shows the evolution of art over the years. What are thought to be two vastly different fields of interest are in fact a fascinating and somewhat comparable pair. It was interesting to see electronic artists expressing themselves through digital paintings, sound art, music and virtual reality.
The gallery includes a wide variety of pieces, some focusing more on electronics and others on art. One of the most intriguing in the gallery was titled, “Are You Afraid of Dogs?” by Tamara Stone. This was an interactive piece in which audience members trigger sensors, which, in turn, set off a “pseudo-random program.” This program, called “Basic Stamp,” turns on the mechanical dogs randomly. One by one, they all start barking and dancing at random, until all of them are making a ruckus. At the end of this short production, they all shut off simultaneously.
Another great feature in this exhibit was the sound art, in which digital images are transformed into sound, allowing the audience to literally listen to a picture. The exhibit also includes a virtual reality CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), modern dance, electric sculpture and much more.
In addition, the exhibition holds a somewhat international flare. Containing submissions from Asia, Europe, Canada and all over the US., it”s a remarkable depiction of the digital age.