2006 10/18 - 2006 12/17

Systems Inside Constructions

In October 2006, OCAC had an exhibition titled “Systems inside Constructions” at Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts. In questioning body and space, the exhibition look into another form of body in contemporary living - the materiality of bodies. In order to raise awareness for the viewer the changes in our living condition (especially in being immersed in new media technology), the exhibition views from above perspective to look at the relationships between human and material, human and interface, and human and objects. To what degree has it change our sensory experience, and our relationships with materials and technical systems? However, the artist starts with personal bodily experience, deals with and observe how body functions in contemporary world, and how it has an active leading position in this massive transformation. This exhibition researches, in this transformation, how it leads the language of art-making actively. 

 

There are two core concepts in this exhibition. Firstly, how “body” insert into “architectural construction - in text”. In the inserting process, we can see how body can extend the role of a “constructional object” to a “constructional subject”. When constructional subject sits within the interactive relationship of “body-space”, the body itself becomes the basis of exhibiting “spatial” locations. Space also becomes the text of human shape, and the anagram of the body. Secondly, when discussing or describing body, it is not only a metaphor for ordering space. Body schema is also more than a metaphor for spatial relationship. Bodies become the basis for acknowledging contemporary spaces.

 

The artist starts with personal bodily experience, deals with and observe how body functions in contemporary world; and how it has an active leading position in this massive transformation. In these practices, when materiality presents as human body, taking away some clear boundaries, bodies can be released from these cube structures. It becomes another form of “body-object” existence.

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View the embedded image gallery online at:
http://ocac.com.tw/index.php/en/archive/item/317-systems-inside-constructions#sigProIde092a3a768
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Alternative Space? Artist-run Space?
Alright, so today we have reached an understanding that “alternative space” has merely a historical connotation left, whereas “artist-run space” cuts directly to the chase, but still nothing is explained through these terms. We suggest a temporary halt on the investigation of terminology. The significance lies in what we do, what we did and what we will be doing next.

So what have you been up to?
In short, we practice art and curate exhibitions. When able, we also organize forums, launch publications and initiate projects for international artistic exchange. If you haven’t the time to read the brief introduction on the back, all you need to remember is this: our job is to generate new dialogues between art and the public and to offer the world something different for a change, or at the very least, we try our best when making mistakes.

Why not simply focus on practicing art?
It’s not that simple. In fact, there is no such thing as simply practicing art. Contemporary art and its viewers have broken away from the monotonous relationship of simply paying a visit to the museum. Whether people are aware of it or not, art has undoubtedly permeated into every aspect of our lives. Therefore, a genuine art practitioner would not shy away when met face to face with genuine public issues. We simply want to do it better.

Where does your funding come from?
Unemployment subsidies. That was a joke. We operate with funds which come from our own pockets and occasional help from limited government funding—translation: we are often short of cash.

Are all members artists?
We were founded as an artist-based organization, but are delighted to have recruited more and more members from interdisciplinary professions in recent years. As for the artists, you may still catch a glimpse of them from time to time carrying a spear and shield, riding a scrawny horse and followed around by a fox hound.

Can I join?
Certainly, you are most welcome to join us. Please note, however, this is not a recruitment ad. Despite our wish to recruit more like-minded friends, we hope that all potential members first try to understand our situation before participating in anything. Acknowledgement of the process is in itself an important form of participation, which means that everything you imagine could be possible. In other words, we would love your attention starting from now.

How does one follow you?
This is an important question but extremely easy to achieve. Simply follow these steps:
(1) like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/opencontemporary
(2) e-mail us at [email protected];
(3) visit us and chat with us whenever

you’re free. You may even receive a cup of freshly brewed coffhee.

Do you accept donations?
Please don’t ask, just act!