Public Media Space

New Media Arts Festival
ACCEA, 2004

Participating Artists: Ursula Bienman, Ergin Chavushoghlu, Peter Aerschmann, Schizo, Ruben Dias, Elene Bornkessel, Ann Petterson, Noud Heerkens, Agricola di Cologne, Laurie Halsey Brown, Chris Salter, Tamar Shori, Irena Paskanli, hentschlaeger + zelko wiener, Paksi Endre, Tsomak, Astghik Melkonian, Lusine Davidian, Mary Amirkhanian/Arpi Adamian

July 23  

5:00 pm –Opening

July 24

12:00am – Cinema Board, Rotterdam, Films, ACCEA
1:00pm – Ursula Bienman, Writing Desire, ACCEA
2:00pm – Gagik Ghazareh, Film, ACCEA
4:00pm – Paksi Endre, Presentation,ACCEA
5:30pm – One Frame, One Minute, ACCEA

July 28 -
7:00pm – Canned Budapest Party, ACCEA

According to the Habermas’ definition of public space, it is a place where the citizens can discuss issues without state’s interference, in other words, it is a space which functions only if there is free speech and freedom of expression.

But what if these concepts are not functioning? Where will the public space disappear?

In Soviet times kitchen became a place where underground discussions were going on and where the alternative thought was formed. So, kitchen became public space (if we follow the definition of Habermas).

Nowdays, media claims having the role of bringing out an alternative discourse and for being a carrier of democracy and civic values. So, media became a virtual public space. What will happen when the physical public spaces (squares, parks, etc.) collide with virtual public spaces (media art, media communication –TV, Radio, Internet, Mobile)? Will they confront each other or co-exist peacefully bringing mobility and activating the urban life. The works are on digital screens in cafes and Internet cafes in Yerevan as well as they are projected on buildings and exhibited at ACCEA.

This is an attempt to redefine public space, which is commercialised and overloaded with advertisements, and with the help of virtual public space (media) to create an open space for discussions and communication.

  
"Canned Budapest Party". slide projection and DJ-ing,Paksi Endre
Venue: ACCEA



Tamar Shori, Peep Show,netart. Venue: Internet Cafe Linksys





Peter Aerschmann, Public Space. Venue: Plaza shopping mall



Lusina Davidyan, Untitled, video installation. Venue: ACCEA