2011 12/12 - 2012 01/13

Two Outstanding Tilapia Fish

Today, we have almost given up the words “genius” or “natural talent” to describe artists. Artists also don’t use splendid techniques or unique literacy or theology to mark their characters. In examples of avant-garde, where “everyone is artists”, or “art is life, life is art”, not only expand the boundary of the arts, but also speaks of the dying of “geniuses”. Melancholy or grumpiness are no longer the marks of artists. They don’t live alone, or away from the crowds. The opposite, artists now lives in and amongst the crowds, they care about subjects like human relationships and environmental issues. They question pure imagination, thus responding to audience and exhibition sites. They sometimes throw out suggestions that is full of space to be filled by like-minded people. These are not for individual expressions. It is to seek a new relationship to tightly bind together themselves and the world. It’s like tilapia fish, they survive and adjust well in any mixed water.

 

However, despite unique techniques or natural talent in artists, does that make artists like every other person? Are there no differences between art and everyday life? Certainly not. Through sensitive observations and subjective sampling, artists here find each of their own methodology that are different from outstanding “geniuses”.   

 

Article: Jian Liting

Artists: Fan Hsiao-Lan, Lee Jo-Mei, Chen Ci-Bang, Chi Kai-Yuan, Hsu Chia-Wei

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View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://ocac.com.tw/index.php/en/archive/item/350-two-outstanding-tilapia-fish#sigProIde79cae2c9b
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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.

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(1) like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/opencontemporary
(2) e-mail us at [email protected];
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