XPLORE: New Media Art Incubation program took place via Zoom with the following selected participants:

• Christine Toelle
• Dea Azalia
• Didit Prasetyo
• Haikal Al Farizi
• Luthfi Zulkifli
• Nurul Komala
• Shalihah
• Theo Nugraha
• Zul Tinarbuko

The program consisted of six sessions structured as follows:

• First Session: Orientation
• Second – Fifth Session: Mentoring
• Sixth Session: Exhibition Proposal Presentation

XPLORE: New Media Art Incubation resulted in a virtual exhibition at the Salihara gallery for selected participants who successfully created compelling exhibition proposals from various perspectives. During this process, mentors selected the best exhibition proposal, a collaborative concept by Christine Toelle and Luthfi Zulkifli, titled “Age of Consent”.

ARCOLABS invite submissions from young Indonesian curators for XPLORE: New Media Art Incubation program to be held in June 2022. Following last year’s successful participation and performances, this year’s program continues to examine the challenges of the curatorial practices associated with new media art. During the program the participants will collectively learn and discuss new media art curatorship while also exploring new possible ways of curatorial approach in the rapidly changing exhibition landscape.  

The program is divided into four main topics, demonstrating the very process of a new media art curation, such as (1) concept development, (2) artwork selection, (3) exhibition design, and (4) exhibition communication. Each topic includes two modules of learning sessions delivered by the numerous Indonesian curators with extensive knowledge and experiences in the field. Accompanied by lecture, reading, case studies, discussion, and mini exercise, each session is thoroughly designed to improve the participants’ competencies as new media art curator. By completing this incubation program, the participants will be exposed to the most up-to-date aspects in new media art curation, gain both conceptual and practical knowledge in the field, and expand networks for their own project in the future. The expected outcome of the program is to develop a potential curatorial proposal by each participant.

TOPIC 1 – CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

This session begins with defining the term of new media art and explores issues around its terminology. The session focuses on discovering how new media technology becomes an artistic medium, what are the characteristics of new media art, and how it challenges traditional notions of aesthetics. With an emergence of and passion for blockchain technology, the session also examines how this new technology has changed the way art is created, distributed and appreciated.

This session discusses how to conceptualize a new media art exhibition by determining the theme and narrative of its curatorial project. As a way of obtaining inspiration, the session explores a wide range of previous exhibitions held in Indonesia and abroad by focusing on how their concept is conveyed and how it relates to art and technology in a specific time and space. During the session, the participants will develop a concept of their own curated exhibition.

By completing the sessions of topic 1, the participants are anticipated to improve their competencies of carrying out research on curatorial objects (G3), establishing theoretical foundation to build an exhibition theme (C1), and increasing an awareness of local and global context (C7).

TOPIC 2 – ARTWORK SELECTION

This session explores a wide range of artistic practices in new media art by briefly surveying different modes of artforms based on specific technology. From computer art, net art, robotics to AR, VR, and transgenic art, the session examines the characteristics of each different mode of new media art and how they are presented as a work of art. The session also introduces the maker’s movement and hacktivism found in young artists from Yogyakarta.  

This session helps the participants understand the technical requirements for new media art works, particularly those process-based and interactive installations that are often connected to real-time internet data. Utilizing a variety of blueprint simulations created by a new media artist, this session allows the participants to become familiar with the most up-to-date technologies used in new media art. Discussion may also expand to an impact on budgeting and daily maintenance.

By completing the sessions of topic 2, the participants are anticipated to improve their competencies of understanding the technical mechanism behind artwork (C5) and obtaining an ethical attitude in working with artists (C4).

TOPIC 3 – EXHIBITION DESIGN

This session explores numerous practical considerations when setting up new media artworks in a gallery space such as the flow of visitors, the preparation of supporting properties, and the placement of text and information. The session particularly discusses the matter of electricity power and internet connection in the space which makes it different from the traditional art display. It also introduces several successful cases of 360 virtual gallery and its innovative design tips.  

This session drives to rethink our exhibition environment that becomes digitized, connected and ubiquitous. The session pays attention to an art that is made in the web as well as distributed through the web. It also looks into a digital platform that becomes an alternative exhibition space. Utilizing the instructor’s first-hand curation models, this session will encourage the participants to search for new exhibition spaces that can be made of our daily digital platforms.

By completing the sessions of topic 3, the participants are anticipated to improve their competencies of obtaining the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship (C3) and enhancing exhibition design and display skill (C6).

TOPIC 4 – EXHIBITION COMMUNICATION

This session begins with defining the concept of visual identity and its role in communicating with the public. The session reveals the method of how the visual identity can be developed, which is in line with the art-tech theme of the curated exhibition. The session also exposes each phase of a key-visual development from the draft to the final stage and how the key-visual is presented through diverse publication materials, such as teaser, poster, brochure, and catalogue.

This session examines how the development of public programs becomes an equally integral part of the curatorial process, especially when it deals with a new form of art. Defining the topic and the goal of the program, inviting the most relevant representatives, locating the target audience, and selecting the most suitable platform are thoroughly discussed during the session. The session also explores a wide range of collaboration and partnership as a way of communication planning.

By completing the sessions of topic 4, the participants are anticipated to improve their competencies of conducting education programs (G2), producing publications (G4), and improving communication skills (C2)