KYTA
A TRAVEL AND ART EXPERIMENT
KYTA 2020
SEPT-dec / stok and the world wide web
The 7th annual edition of KYTA is a test of our resilience. A pursuit in finding ways to continue consolidating our core values of experimentation and cultural exchange - while being locked away from the site of the project since the beginning of the pandemic. Being a travel and art experiment, working closely with people and places with a close up on local culture, this phase has come as one of our largest challenges as it has been for the wider world and especially the arts sector.
In 2020, we will host special virtual residencies in collaboration with our international partners to explore cultural exchange and artistic production in a time when travel is restricted. Through these residencies, we will experiment with bringing people and places together and use the power of communication and leverage the internet to build lasting relationships that we hope to explore further in the real-world in the near future.
PROGRAM PARTNERS
ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE
(CLICK OR SCROLL TO VIEW PROJECTS)
JAMES NGUYEN (AUSTRALIA)
SEPT-OCT 2020
BRUNO STEINER (SWITZERLAND)
NOV-DEC 2020
VIRTUAL RESIDENCY #02: NOV-DEC 2020
BRUNO STEINER (SWITZERLAND)
Since my youth I have been drawing in the field of illustration. Posters and postcards were my first self-made tasks. The dynamics of lines, shapes and spaces are the basis of my drawing language and an irreplaceable means of communication. Whether analog or digital,
I draw, paint, research, reject, vary.
The intuitive control between key frames, fades and moving text is the most beautiful operation. I express my many years of audiovisual experience in different animation techniques. I move at variable speeds, love exciting rhythm changes and know how to apply effects in a measured manner. In addition, I create photo video animations in which the aspects of time perception are central. For the presentation and installation, I experiment with different displays and give the quality issues their appropriate space.
Through my work on video I developed a great preference for sounds, tones, voices, rhythms and loops. Fascinated, I always take enough time to work on and refine the acoustic level. In different contexts of video/audio mediation I was able to acquire a broad basic
knowledge for recording and postproduction.
Storyboards are a perfect synthesis of my interests and skills. They anticipate movement, are clarifying in image design and require clear communication. As a meticulous planner and worker, the advantages of coherent storyboards are clear to me. In interactive projects I visualise navigation and linking with appropriate means. However, comprehensibility is also the focus of the planning here.
I owe my manifold interests to the visually oriented and all absorbing attitude to life. The design projects are exemplary for my interdisciplinary approaches. I benefit from a broad basis, from which I delve into the implementation and execution of the individual projects.
The self-discovery of optimal solutions is very important to me. Therefore, I develop low-threshold approaches to multiply my enthusiasm for moving images. I enable experimental handling and promote the individual awareness of complex interrelationships. With a positive attitude I create a playful learning atmosphere in which research and finding is possible.
Artistic projects in public spaces present special challenges. Usually, I sharpen and convey the idea in a processual way in multi-stage competition procedures. I use language, text, graphics, animation and sculptural objects. Even if a project is not implemented, it can be successful and can trigger thoughts on different levels.
RESEARCH:
APPROXIMATIONS
In his closing talk as part of the residency, Bruno shared his perspective on the relationship between India and Switzerland.
VIDEO ARTWORK:
THE PINK ELEPHANT
In 2016, Bruno had visited India for the first time and he had created 'The Blue Elephant' as a stop motion piece in which the majestic animal is walking through the traffic in a busy street in Mumbai. The Pink Elephant is a sequel to the piece, except it is made as a digital work symbolising the 'virtual walk' from Switzerland to India.
RESIDENCY
SESSIONS
This playlist captures most of our interactions with Bruno Steiner, as part of conducting the virtual residency and exchange between Switzerland and India.
VIRTUAL RESIDENCY #01: SEPT-OCT 2020
JAMES NGUYEN (AUSTRALIA)
James Nguyen is currently a Gertrude studio artist working with documentary practice, installation and performance. Collaborating with family and friends they often create work examining the politics of art, self-representation and how these decolonising strategies can contribute to diasporic dialogues. James has completed his undergraduate studies with honours at The National Art School, a Masters of Fine Art at Sydney College of Arts and a PhD candidate at UNSW Art & Design.
VIDEO ARTWORK:
SEEDLESS APRICOTS
The various limitations and possibilities of doing an online residency during covid lockdowns.
Where the tactile, fleshy, and auditory connection to place can only go so far. Here, the rehydration of dried apricots are symbolic of these, and the limitations of art making.
WEEK 1
SESSION 1:
Interaction between James and the co-founders of the residency to introduce the project, its structure, history, objectives and thoughts for the future.
SESSION 2:
Presentation by James showcasing his practice and artistic projects and pieces
WEEK 2
SESSION 3:
Introducing James to the local culture, organisations and projects in Leh & Ladakh
SESSION 4:
Conversation between James and two local Ladakhi practitioners - Lachic Rigzin who is working for the revival of traditional arts & craft and Tsering Motup Siddho, a contemporary artist
WEEK 3
SESSION 5:
Hashim (Co-founder, KYTA) shares background on the wider region of Ladakh, its places, stories and culture with James
SESSION 6:
Shazeb (Co-founder, KYTA) and James discuss various directions for a potential artwork as a result of the virtual residency