Hyperlink - Bridging the New Generation

Located in the Zhongshan District, this distinctive art gallery is a multifaceted space that encompasses experimental exhibitions, curated selections, art performances, and studios. Despite its seemingly modest size, anything can happen within its dynamic environment. From the end of this month to March, "KEW" will host a HYPERLINK exhibition, embracing the artistic practices of new media.

The Arkadiko Bridge, dating back to around 1300 BC in the Mycenaean civilization, stands as the oldest surviving stone arch bridge. Bridges, as large structures designed to overcome obstacles, have played a significant role throughout history.

In recent years, contemporary art has experienced a flourishing development, especially with the emergence of various new forms of art galleries, alternative spaces, and art organizations in Asia and Taiwan, post-pandemic. Emerging curators and artists actively engage with each other, aiming to establish bridges that lead to various directions in this new era.

Through new connections and mechanisms in contemporary art, collaborative exhibitions in cross-disciplinary forms have become a norm. Such diverse interactions often involve experimental processes and outcomes. More importantly, these collaborations extend beyond regional boundaries, fostering the establishment of connections within communities, achieving personal links to broader social exchanges, and collective identity.

In the late 20th century, particularly in the 90s, Taiwan witnessed a surge in collaboration between new media and technology in the realm of art. With the continuous advancement of technology, the contemporary art scene in Taiwan has experienced rapid evolution in terms of creative vocabulary and exhibition formats. Many artists have embraced digital mediums, contributing to a more diverse range of expressive forms. The upcoming exhibition features the works of five contemporary artists – Mao Mao Gang, Ohau Chen, Async, Huang Yu Chen, and Huang Yen Chao. Through their use of AI, imagery, and installations, they collectively present a showcase of artistic practices within the context of this generation and the prevailing social atmosphere.

MaoMaoGang's works are characterized by cute and humorous 3D loop animations, accompanied by a series of narrative stories that bring digital virtual characters to life. Through a light-hearted and playful approach, MaoMaoGang aims to reexamine and critique the impact of the internet on this generation, striving to awaken the public's sensitivity to art appreciation. On the other hand, Ohau Chen's creations delve into the ethics, morals, and even political imaginings of society through visual media. Employing installations with a game-like quality, Junyu invites the audience to interact and become empowered decision-makers in the artistic experience.

Async is an active participant in the subculture world, specializing in 3D animation and modeling as the primary forms of artistic expression. Through these mediums, he presents an absolute focus on personal life experiences and emotions. Huang Yu Chen, on the other hand, employs imagery as the primary creative medium, deconstructing and reconstructing internet visuals to piece together narratives that appear to have a structured storyline. As for Huang Yen Chao, his creations revolve around the "body posture," extending the body into the realm of media and stretching it into the scope of social imagery. This approach constructs an imaginative landscape of overlapping internet fragments. Together, these three contemporary artists contribute to a rich tapestry of artistic practices within the context of this era and social environment.

The main visual design for this exhibition was commissioned by "KEW" and created by the new media art group Xtrux. Beyond the exhibition hosted by "KEW," the showcase and parties extend to the music venue "Grey Area" established in the Zhongshan district in recent years. This expansion includes live Real-time performances by new media sound artists and DJ party planning. The goal of "HYPERLINK" is not only to be an exhibition but also to connect with different types of spaces, exploring diverse possibilities in artistic practices. Emphasis is placed on inviting individuals from various fields to join these spaces, fostering an exchange and sharing of personal life experiences.

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Hyperlink - New Generation Bridging: HYPERLINK x Grey Area Music Venue

◯ Exhibition Period: January 27 (Sat) - March 4 (Mon)

◯ Opening: January 27 (Sat) 16:00 - 21:00

◯ Admission: Free

◯ Location: Kewco Space Cong Kou

◯ Address: No. 98, Section 1, Minsheng East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City

Opening Party

◯ Time: January 27 (Sat) 22:00 - 03:00

◯ Venue: Grey Area

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Information and Images provided by: kewco.art, xtrux_official, Nina Huang