In the “Artist Perspective” panel, the artist collective Total Refusal (AT), Alessandro Bavari (IT), Alona Rodeh (IL/DE), and Wendi Yan (CN/US) present their work. Current films by these artists are also shown in the Deep Space 8K, including in-person screenings for Total Refusal and Alessandro Bavari.
In her talk, Alona Rodeh will share a bit of the processes behind the CITY DUMMIES series. This includes works shown in this year’s Ars Electronica Festival: CORE DUMP (2024/2025), Fogging (2025), and Runway Freefall (2024). The works respond and reflect on – directly and indirectly – the current state of affairs: automation of transportation, AI warfare, geopolitics, censorship, romance, and the apocalypse.
‘Part archive, part speculative fiction, Dream of Walnut Palaces is a 10-minute CGI film reimagining knowledge exchange between China and Europe in the 18th century. Exploring the psyche of a fictional Daoist in a Paris lab, it examines the East-West clash of epistemic visuality and envisions an alternative to techno-Orientalism: a harmonious union of knowledge integrating Daoist metaphysics.
Wendi Yan will share her thinking and the making process behind Dream of Walnut Palaces. From secret scientific experiments in Qing China to magic lantern shows in Antoine Lavoisier’s Arsenal, her years-long research led to a creative, cinematic exploration of the psyche of a fictional individual she wished existed. What if, during the Age of Revolution, a Daoist master brought his wisdom to the Enlightenment scientists who were establishing the rules and orders for the emerging modern science? The artist will show how she turned archival images into the various worldbuilding elements in the film, re-enacted historical illustrations with newly designed character models, and redesigned critical instruments from the time period. Using a real-time engine, 3D modeling and AI, Yan transmuted historical images and lost ideas, giving voice to “ghosts” and “orphans” of the Enlightenment. The film becomes a speculative historical study of epistemic visuality between China and Europe.
Adrian Haim will talk about the potential of cinema interventions in sports video games.
Moderation: Alexander Wilhelm (AT) & Filippo Gregoretti (IT)