‘Borealis’ lights, thermal sensors and more: ‘SerendiCity’ festival brings multisensory art-tech to Hong Kong
- A number of imaginative programmes by artists from Hong Kong and overseas are being showcased at the media arts event at the West Kowloon Cultural District
- One highlight is a large-scale outdoor installation by Swiss artist Dan Acher that simulates the Northern Lights
Biometric Theatre is an exhibition featuring seven interactive audio-visual installations by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Photo: Dickson LeeEver wonder what art will become when intertwined with technology and data? Do you need some serendipity in your everyday life?
Head over to West Kowloon Cultural District from now until March 5 for the “SerendiCity” media arts festival, an avant-garde multisensory experience that inspires and reflects on people, technology and the urban environment.
Taking place indoors, outdoors and online, it features large-scale immersive installations, interactive creations, performances, games and a web series.
Borealis, Art Park
For most of you travel junkies, seeing the Northern Lights at the Arctic Circle is probably a must-do item on your checklist. Now, Swiss artist Dan Acher has brought the natural wonder to Hong Kong with his large-scale outdoor art installation right by the harbour.
Every night from 7pm to 10pm, the lights projected in the night sky shifts with the weather and natural environment, making each visit different. Enjoy the mesmerising scene with the Hong Kong skyline as a backdrop.
Biometric Theatre, Xiqu Centre
Featuring seven pieces of work by artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, the collection focuses on using the data and interaction from visitors to create art that is aesthetically pleasing while reflecting on human beings.
“The artwork depends on the people for the content,” the artist said.
Pulse Topology, which made its Asia premiere, detects the rhythm of visitors’ pulses and translates them into a stellar light wave with thousands of light bulbs and sound effects. Thermal Drift captures heat dissipation with a thermal camera and portrays a colourful painting of blue, red and yellow dots with visitors’ silhouettes.
Surface Tension is a 31-year-old piece that was also programmed by Lozano-Hemmer. Visitors can view it from different perspectives, but the media art project will follow your direction wherever you go.
A look at the online art world
Apart from the imaginative on-site programmes by Hong Kong and overseas artists being showcased at the festival, you can delve into the art-technology world online.
Chilai Howard’s The Orchestra of Temple Street, for example, can be accessed through a mobile app. The artwork is inspired by visitor experiences of the iconic Temple Street neighbourhood.