Finissage: Techno Mythologies

Finissage: Techno Mythologies

Throughout the summer we have investigated new technological narratives together with our audiences through a large-scale sensory total installation created for Christian IV’s Brewery by the artist duo Wang & Söderström. We take yet another step into imagining possible technological futures during our finissage on September 12.

We will host an artist talk with Wang & Söderström providing an understanding of the artistic process and choice of themes in the exhibition. Furthermore, curator James Taylor-Foster and author and scholar Gry Hasselbalch will participate in a conversation about power, agency, and non-binary notions around technology. Technology is often considered non-sensory, unrelated to our bodies. However, just as we cannot separate our human bodies from technology, it no longer makes sense to talk about the digital and physical worlds as separate, or that nature and culture are separate domains. So how can we collectively re-imagine our collective technological futures? And how can art play a role in reinventing our understanding of technology?

• The ticket includes a drink at the seminar and access to the exhibition the same day (opening hours 12.00-18.00). Limited number of seats/tickets are available.
• The seminar will be conducted in English.
• ‘Techno Mythologies’ is open until and including 15 September 2024.
• Please note: The address is Frederiksholms Kanal 29, 1220 Copenhagen.

Programme:
15.00: Event opens

15.30-16.15: Talk and Q&A about the exhibition by Wang & Söderström and curator Majken Overgaard.

16:15-16.30: Short presentation by James Taylor-Foster, writer, cultural critic, and curator of design and digital culture.

16:30-16.45: Short presentation by Gry Hasselbalch, PhD, author and scholar with expertise in data and AI ethics and policy.

16.45-17.30: Conversation with the panel, moderated by Majken Overgaard.

17:30-18.00: Drink and networking.

About Wang & Söderström:
Wang & Söderström is an acclaimed artist duo known for their visionary blending of digital and physical mediums. This approach creates new dimensions for perception of the fact that technology is an integral part of our sensory world. Their work challenges conventional boundaries and offers novel perspectives on contemporary issues through immersive installations.

Wang & Söderström consists of Anny Wang and Tim Söderström. They are both born in Sweden but are currently based in Copenhagen. Their works have been shown internationally at museums and art centers such as Ars Electronica in Linz, La Galleria Nazionale in Rome, The Design Museum in London, MMCA in Seoul, ArkDes in Stockholm and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York. In 2021, the duo received the prestigious three-year work grant from the Danish Arts Foundation, and in 2023 they won the Lumen Art Prize and The Biennale of Craft & Design Award. "Techno Mythologies" is the duo's first major solo exhibition in Denmark.

About Majken Overgaard:
Majken Overgaard is a Danish, independent curator, with a focus on exploring the interdisciplinary realm where contemporary art and technology intersect. Her exploration always revolves around connecting complex knowledge domains and disseminating them to a broad audience. She collaborates with various cultural and art institutions in Denmark and abroad. Additionally, she has been appointed by the Nordic cultural ministers as a board member of the Nordic Institute on Åland, and she serves as an expert in art and technology for the European Commission.

About James Taylor-Foster:
James Taylor-Foster is a writer, cultural critic, and curator of design and digital culture trained in architecture. They are the curator of contemporary architecture and design at ArkDes, and have developed a number of curatorial projects in Stockholm including Cruising Pavilion: Architecture, Gay Sex and Cruising Culture and Space Popular: Value in the Virtual, alongside public installations with Studio Ossidiana, Swedish Girls, and others. They curated WEIRD SENSATION FEELS GOOD – the first museum exhibition to explore the culture and creative field of ASMR, currently touring. Most recently, they worked with Joar Nango and collaborators to present Girjegumpi: The Sámi Architecture Library in the Nordic Pavilion at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Their first collaborative collection of essays, softspot, was published in 2021 (InOtherWords).

About Gry Hasselbalch:
Gry Hasselbalch is an author and scholar with expertise in data and AI ethics and policy. She works on international technology policy, speaks at events and conferences and writes books on topics related to her expertise. E.g. as an expert in AI ethics Gry has a PhD, written books and papers, worked directly on momentous AI international policy, and has given talks on the topic since 2015. In her work she advocates a humanistic approach to AI and data, highlighting the critical role of humanity in navigating the challenges posed by these technologies.

Photo: Therese Lærke