LOVE NETWORKS LOVE
Video (Single-Channel), 2min 32sec, 2017
The rose is one of the most identifiable perennials that has acquired diverse and numerous cultural significance throughout history. Based on its physical properties including color, shape, and state of growth, the rose can signify a wide range of meanings such as life or death, love or grief. I wanted to explore the physical and digital manifestations of intimacy and love through the gestures of virtually giving and receiving a red rose. Is it possible to fully simulate and convey the feelings of passion and desire through our personal digital communication devices? Through the combination of nuances in language and cultural symbols, we aim to successfully nurture affection and share material presence with others. That said, do we need a ‘response’ or ‘confirmation of receipt’ to define it as mutual experience?
The rose is one of the most identifiable perennials that has acquired diverse and numerous cultural significance throughout history. Based on its physical properties including color, shape, and state of growth, the rose can signify a wide range of meanings such as life or death, love or grief. I wanted to explore the physical and digital manifestations of intimacy and love through the gestures of virtually giving and receiving a red rose. Is it possible to fully simulate and convey the feelings of passion and desire through our personal digital communication devices? Through the combination of nuances in language and cultural symbols, we aim to successfully nurture affection and share material presence with others. That said, do we need a ‘response’ or ‘confirmation of receipt’ to define it as mutual experience?
Created and displayed in conversation with curator Patricia Cariño Valdez at the Institute of Contemporary Art San José for group exhibition "Sonic Futures."
Video installation with LED grow light, solar-powered rose plant toy, and interactive visitor prompts as participatory installation
BELOW: Text from the curator's website > https://www.patriciacarinovaldez.com/exhibitions-programs-ica
SONIC FUTURES
Group exhibition centered on the elements of sound and music: wavelengths, music soundtracks, memory, and remix. Artists reimagined contemporary conditions and propose new possibilities for the future. Artists: Sofia Cordova (Oakland); INVASORIX (Mexico City, Mexico); Jeepneys (Los Angeles); Laura Hyunjhee Kim (Seoul, South Korea/San Francisco); Keith Lafuente (New York); Merritt Wallace (Oakland); and Jenifer Wofford (San Francisco).
March 18-Jun 11, 2017
Music is expansive and ubiquitous, and is expressed in every known culture.
Although it travels in invisible waves, it has a tangible impact and can emotionally and physically move people. We utilize it as a form of therapy, it adds drama and subtleties to film, and oftentimes, transports us to a particular moment in our life. Music is the medium of time—one can fast forward, rewind, pause, stop, replay, or remix sounds. And when combined with video and other media, such as drawing and performance, it takes on another dimension. The artists in Sonic Futures experiment with these elements. Their works reimagine our own contemporary conditions and propose new possibilities for the future.
Some of the artists offer specific examples of what the future may hold. Laura Hyunjhee Kim’s music video considers what love and passion might look like in a hyper-digitally mediated time. Keith Lafuente’s Look Book borrows from the karaoke aesthetic to foretell fashion for the upcoming season. From a macro perspective, artist collective INVASORIX’s music videos challenge the status quo by questioning access, power, and privilege. The works of Merritt Wallace and Jeepneys explore traveling through time and space. Through a more immediate lens, Jenifer Wofford recontextualizes popular song lyrics as protest signs. Sofía Córdova’s multi-channel video becomes a cautionary tale about neglecting a precious planet.
Sonic Futures is a dynamic platform of reflection. Artists play and manipulate time: they consider the past and the present, and its consequences on our collective future. The works activate many senses. Singing and dancing are encouraged!
- Collaborated with Untitled Art Fair, Radio (San Francisco) to share sounds and music by artists on Radiooooo.org
- Press: “Sonic Futures at the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art,” Daily Serving, by Tanya Gayer (PDF)
Photo: Qian Wang