[spectre] ScapeBiennial_newmediartworks

[susanne jaschko]

Scape 2006 Biennial of Art in Public Space /don't misbehave!/ in New 
Zealand presents 4 new media based artworks:

The group SIMPEL contributes Paper Cup Telephone Network (PCTN).
Do you remember stringing two cups together and talking with your 
friend? Well, the PCTN is the same, but imagine people around the world 
whose cups are all tied together, so that everyone can speak to anyone, 
any time, for free. The PCTN uses a combination of string and internet 
technologies to create a free and open communication system similar to 
Antonio Meucci's (the inventor of the telephone) vision for the 
telephone, a social network where everyone speaks to everyone. This 
project is by the new media art group SIMPEL. SIMPEL is Matthew 
Biederman (CA), Aleksandar Erkalovic (HR), Lotte Meijer (NL), and Adam 
Hyde (NZ).
http://www.simpel.cc
Forecourt of Christchurch Art Gallery and south quad of Arts Centre
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Auckland based media artist Sean Kerr installs Neighbourhood Watch.
Neighbourhood Watch consists of a number of peering eyes which create an 
inquisitive neighbourhood in the central urban area of Christchurch , 
unsettling and interrupting the locals in the surrounding environment. 
These animated eyes are goggling out of windows, observing the 
ever-changing scenery of Christchurch ’s streets, and participating in 
public commentary.
http://seankerr.net/
Worcester Boulevard
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Swiss artist Johannes Gees will make you see The Christchurch Menetekel.
The work is a collaborative, interactive laser text installation 
inspired by the story of King Belshazzar’s feast, from the biblical Book 
of Daniel. Taking its cue from the flaming Hand of God and its 
mysterious warning in the story, Menetekel writes messages on walls in 
laser light and invites the public to text their own contributions and 
responses back. The artwork addresses the public’s relationship with 
religion and its meaning in contemporary art and society.
http://www.johannesgees.com
30 Sept 7pm–12am, 1 - 4 Oct 8 pm - 12 am, Cathedral Square
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Auckland based collective et al. presents /untitled/, 2006.
An installation in which multi-media components including synthesised 
voice and video projection and an internet feed from Google Earth are 
situated in a fenced and empty enclosure. Apparently integral to the GE 
imagery are 5 animated units which move over an area of the Middle East 
. The Google Earth link was first used by et al. as a component in the 
/fundamental practice/ Institute of Modern Art , Brisbane 2006.
Christchurch Art Gallery
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A discussion panel entitled “Beyond spectacle: media art in public 
space” will look at the strategies and the effect of media art practice 
in public space. On the panel with Susanne Jaschko are Johannes Gees, 
Sean Kerr and Matthew Biederman.
Sunday Oct 1, 4 pm, Christchurch Art Gallery

* Scape 2006 Biennial of Art in Public Space /don't misbehave!/ *
* Sept 30 - Nov 12, 2006 *
* Christchurch, New Zealand*
*www.scapebiennial.org.nz <http://www.scapebiennial.org.nz>* * *


-- 
susanne jaschko  
curator Scape 2006 Biennal