Feng Mengbo Video Performance: Q2008

This will be Feng Mengbo’s first video gaming performance in public. Presented as part of Final Cut of Shanghai eArts Festival.

Based in Beijing, Feng Mengbo has been working on the blurred boundary between digital gaming and contemporary art by showcasing works that inhabit both spheres. Besides experimental modifications of commercial games and creating of his own, he has extensively used game hardware and software for social commentary as well as in the development of performance projects, and even painting.

For Shanghai city, he offers audiences a participatory journey in Q2008, through virtual imagery, metaphorically linking game surfing, and a painting-making process. The work allows viewers (public audience, artist, player, curator) to assume several of these roles during the course of his presentation, which implies a reconfiguration of the audiences into a cinematic experience as well as into a process of art-making. The time-based nature of his game software shifts itself out of its usual context, and as it comes off of the screen, allows the game character to interact dynamically without a proscribed outcome.

Aided by the proliferation of varied technologies, artists have the opportunity to make a shift from passive audience reception to active participation; in the work of Feng Mengbo, where his virtual reality responds and is altered by the audience’s input. Although the elements of the story barely change, the way the output painting unfolds is determined by each visitor’s own actions.

Organized by Davide Quadrio and Defne Ayas. Organized and produced by Arthub Asia.