Curatorial Statement
By Alexandra L. Martin, Co-Curator of exPhrasis
exPhrasis, as its title suggests, is an exploration of movement and space rendered through words, image and sound.
exPhrasis brings together artworks exploring different modes and methods available to convey and represent movement and space and aims to question and expand our conceptions of the body in motion in digital space. Founded on the tradition of text-based adventure games or interactive fictions, exPhrasis requires active engagement from viewers who “interact” with different elements of the exhibition. To move through the exhibition, gain information, and to engage with the artworks, the viewer must enter textual commands as the space reveals itself through text.
The following questions guided our curatorial methods and Martin’s creative writing process: How does one translate movement through text or other mediums in such a way that it can be felt? To what effect? What are other ways in which movement through space is felt? How do other senses contribute to the sensation of movement? What are the implications for this now porous membrane between the digital exhibition space and the viewer’s own physical environment? How exactly does the viewer’s physical person bridge the gap between digital and physical spaces?
Credits
Creation : Timothy Thomasson, Léa Martin, Frédérick Maheux, Gabriel Tremblay-Gaudette,
Alexandra L. Martin
Curatorship : Gina Cortopassi & Alexandra L. Martin
Development : Ariane Guay & John Boyle-Singfield
Correction : Martyna Kander (IT), Gina Cortopassi (FR), Alexandra L. Martin (EN)
Partners
Chaire de recherche du Canada en arts et littératures numériques (ALN|NT2) Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs en études littéraires (AECSEL|UQÀM)