Introductory Statement

ISEA’s satellite programme provides a framework for international art practitioners and delegates to engage with local media art scenes in Hong Kong, China and Asia. With exhibitions, workshops, performances and panel discussions, the programme touches on themes of social transformation, artistic intervention, and cultural (re)invention across a range of events. Together with Videotage, independent curator Su Wei debuts No Reference”, his exhibition exploring 30 years of video and media art in Hong Kong. Microwave Festival presents the exhibition “Be Water” and the “Visaural” performance, both addressing the physical and immaterial aspects of existence. “Human Vibration”, presented in various locations across the city, including the Open Sky Gallery, is curated by Caroline Ha Thuc, while Professor Katrien Jacobs from Chinese University leads discussions on gender and digital activism. Susa Pop from Connecting Cities introduces the concept of “the invisible city” from her recent book. And many more exciting events… When we were preparing our bid for ISEA2016, Hong Kong was in the throes of the ‘Umbrella Movement: the massive occupation of urban space that shut down Admiralty, Causeway Bay and MongKok for 79 days of non-violent public expression. While the streets have long since been cleared, the ideals of the movement and the ways in which it brought artists, activists and citizens together can be felt in the selections here. We hope you enjoy these satellites as they orbit around the theme of Cultural R>evolution.
On behalf of the Satellite Programme team,

• Ellen Pau (HK), Director of ISEA2016 Satellite Events, Director of Microwave