Moving Image
On Show:
Gradient Show - the Holy Art Gallery
TWHAWHIF - The world hath aged, whilst humanity is fledgling
Shortlist:
2024 The Carrousel du Louvre Contemporary Art Exhibition “ROTOR”
London Odyssey
On Show:
Gradient Show - the Holy Art Gallery
TWHAWHIF - The world hath aged, whilst humanity is fledgling
Shortlist:
2024 The Carrousel du Louvre Contemporary Art Exhibition “ROTOR”
"London Odyssey" emerges as a compelling artistic inquiry into the nuanced realm of digital freedom and constraint, drawing upon Johan Huizinga's concept of play as outlined in 'Homo Ludens.' This work explores the intricate dance between autonomy and the invisible boundaries set by digital environments.
The artists present a moving image installation where an anonymous individual is seen running on a treadmill against a backdrop that suggests a vast, open landscape. This visual metaphor powerfully encapsulates the essence of their exploration: the juxtaposition of physical exertion against the illusory expanse of digital realms. The figure's relentless motion on the treadmill, set within an ostensibly limitless terrain, serves as a poignant allegory for the human experience within digital games—a journey marked by apparent freedom, yet governed by the rigid parameters of pre-programmed rules and systems.
At the heart of "London Odyssey" lies the theme of human-machine interaction. The ambient sound of the treadmill in the installation underscores this dynamic, highlighting the tangible aspects of engagement with digital interfaces. This choice of audiovisual elements not only enhances the sensory experience of the viewer but also reinforces the core concept of the artwork: the interplay between the physical and the virtual, the human and the algorithmic.
Through "London Odyssey," the artists invite viewers to reflect on the paradoxical nature of digital spaces. They challenge common perceptions of digital environments as mere simulations, positing them instead as complex arenas where human actions are both enabled and restricted by computational frameworks. This work seeks to provoke thought about the evolving relationship between humans and computers, questioning our understanding of agency and freedom in an age dominated by digital technology.