Press release -

Art and cutting-edge technology come alive at the Art x Tech for Good exhibition

SINGAPORE, 18 December 2018 – Art and technology come to life at the Art x Tech for Good exhibition on 18 January 2019. The exhibition is organised by The MeshMinds Foundation and students from LASALLE’s BA(Hons) Arts Management programme, and is a part of Singapore Art Week 2019.

Running from 19 - 27 January 2019 at Roger & Sons, the exhibition will feature artworks by LASALLE students that address one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), such as combating climate change and reducing inequality.

Thirteen students from LASALLE’s Broadcast Media, Fine Arts and Music programmes were mentored by lecturers and technology partners on ways to conceptualise art using hardware such as HTC’s Vive Virtual Reality System, Apple’s iPad Pro and MacBook Pro, Lenovo’s Mirage Solo and All-in-One desktop as well as software such as Google’s Tilt Brush and Blocks and Autodesk’s Recap Pro and Fusion 360. Over the course of four months, the students pushed the boundaries of their artistic practice with new media such as Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, 3D Printing and Internet of Things.

“Harnessing digital technology allows our artists to enhance their creative workflow, push the boundaries of their mediums and reach new audiences. Through a series of engaging workshops, talks and performances, our exhibition aims to promote public awareness for sustainable consumption and lifestyles, as well as show how we can use creative technology to achieve the UN SDGs”, said Kay Poh Gek Vasey, Founder of The MeshMinds Foundation.

Professor Steve Dixon, President of LASALLE College of the Arts, further added: "Art and technology share a common root – the human imagination. This collaboration presents a unique opportunity for our talented students, across multiple disciplines, to experiment with art forms and the latest technology to imagine solutions to global issues and inspire hope in the process."

Some of the artwork highlights of this exhibition include:

Replay by Cheng Yu Hung (Music)
Replay is an interactive musical instrument made from upcycled materials to encourage visitors to think more about what they could do to reduce waste by reusing or recycling everyday objects. The instrument reuses e-waste and other discarded materials and operates just like a gaming console.

Sabaism by R. Yashini (Fine Arts)
Sabaism is a 3D printed sculpture that aims to bring a physical dimension to the phenomena of light pollution. In 2016, Singapore was named the country with the worst level of light pollution in the world - with a pollution level of 100%. Using data visualisation techniques combined with mapping of the luminosity levels of various areas in Singapore, visitors are invited to observe the organic landscapes created using a 3D printer.

Amusement Park 2100 by Alex Pan & Leon Oh (Broadcast Media)
Amusement Park 2100 is an immersive VR piece in an which portrays an imagined future due to negative effects of climate change. The experience aims to have a positive impact towards raising awareness on the individual’s capacity in helping to prevent climate change through collective action before it’s too late!

Full biographies of artists can be found in Annex A. Another programme highlight:

How Creative Technology Can Change the World
On Thursday, 24 January 2019, 6.30 – 8.30pm, expect an evening of good conversations and networking, hosted by Guest of Honour, Dr. Isabelle Louis, Deputy Regional Director at UN Environment Asia and the Pacific. Connect with industry leaders from Singapore’s creative, tech and media communities. The session kicks off with an interactive panel discussion followed by a fun, informal evening where guests can mix and mingle, pick up a few tips, and learn how a job in the creative technology industry could lead to changing the world.

Event Details:

  • Event Name: The MeshMinds Foundation and LASALLE College of the Arts present: Art x Tech for Good
  • Opening Date: 18 Jan 2019, 7pm. Exhibition duration 19 - 27 Jan 2019.
  • Location: Roger&Sons, 115 King George's Avenue, Singapore 208561
  • Opening Times: Monday to Thursday: 11am - 8pm; Friday to Sunday: 11am till late
  • Admission: Free
  • Website: http://meshminds.com
  • Social handles: @meshminds on Facebook; @meshminds.foundation on Instagram

About The MeshMinds Foundation
The MeshMinds Foundation is a not-for-profit arts organisation focused on enabling sustainable development through creative technology. Partnering with the world’s most socially responsible companies, The MeshMinds Foundation offers artists the latest technology, training and mentoring to create immersive artworks and experiences focused on the sustainable development of people and the planet. For more information, visit http://meshminds.com/

About LASALLE College of the Arts
LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore is a leading tertiary institution in cutting-edge contemporary arts and design education and practice. The College offers more than 30 diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fine arts, design communication, interior design, product design, film, animation, fashion, dance, music, theatre, arts management, arts pedagogy and practice, art therapy, Asian art histories and creative writing.

Its faculty is led by a community of award-winning artists, designers, educators and researchers, and their practice-led research sets LASALLE apart as an international centre of excellence. Critically acclaimed alumni form the core of the cultural and creative sectors in Singapore and increasingly internationally.

Founded in 1984 by de la Salle Brother Joseph McNally – a visionary artist and educator – LASALLE is a not-for-profit, private educational institution. LASALLE receives tuition grant support from the Singapore Ministry of Education. Its degree programmes are validated by Goldsmiths, University of London. For more information, visit: https://www.lasalle.edu.sg

About Singapore Art Week
“Art x Tech for Good” is part of Singapore Art Week (19 – 27 January 2019). A joint initiative by the National Arts Council, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Economic Development Board, Singapore Art Week reinforces Singapore’s position as Asia’s leading arts destination. The nine-day celebration of the visual arts offers a myriad of quality art experiences, from art fairs, gallery openings, exhibitions, lifestyle events and public art walks, to enriching discussions on art and culture. For more information, visit: www.artweek.sg

For Media Enquiries, please contact:

Kay Poh Gek Vasey
Founder
The MeshMinds Foundation
kay@meshminds.com
+65 9872 2180

Cuifen Chen
Division of Communications
LASALLE College of the Arts
cuifen.chen@lasalle.edu.sg
+65 6496 5216

Topics

  • Cinema, Film, Photo

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