BYTE ME

6th June – 7th July 2023

Opening: 6pm, 6th June, 2023

Opening by: Janosov Milan, PhD

Exhibitors: Igor & Ivan Buharov, Apolka Erős, Judit Eszter Gagyi, Boldizsár Hordós, Adrienn Mária Kiss, Nóra Szabó, Vilmos Vagyóczki

“Byte me” delves into the intricate interplay between technology and the human/non-human perspective. In an era marked by ever-evolving technological advancements, the traditional boundaries between the organic and the artificial have become increasingly blurred. Haraway’s concept of “making kin” resonates deeply within this context, urging us to reconsider our relationship with technology as a form of collaborative engagement.

The algorithms governing online platforms offer a pertinent example of this symbiotic alliance. Through a network of intricate data analytics, these algorithms curate personalized content, tailoring advertisements to our individual preferences. This intimate interconnection between technology and user creates a unique feedback loop, shaping our perception of reality and challenging the notion of objective representation.

New mediums in art have emerged as a direct consequence of these technological developments. Artists now harness cutting-edge tools to express their visions, pushing the boundaries of creativity and expanding the potential for artistic expression. The fusion of art and technology presents an opportunity to explore uncharted territories, transcending traditional constraints and embracing a brave new world of artificial communication forms.

However, amidst the techno-optimism that permeates contemporary discourse, a sense of humanist doubt persists. As we navigate the intricacies of this digital realm, we question the ethical implications of our increasing reliance on technology. Does this newfound reliance diminish the significance of human agency? Can we reconcile the allure of technological progress with our fundamental desire for authentic human experience?

The relationship between technology and art is one fraught with contrasts and complexities. Historically, artists have grappled with the tension between the organic and the artificial, seeking to reconcile these seemingly disparate realms. Yet, the fusion of technology and art presents an opportunity to transcend this dichotomy and forge new creative frontiers. We stand at a critical juncture, poised to redefine the very nature of artistic expression in the digital age.

“Byte me” exhibition seeks to unravel these multifaceted narratives, challenging preconceived notions and inviting contemplation. Through their artistic interventions, the participating artists interrogate the intricate web of connections between humans, technology, and the non-human world. By engaging with the possibilities and limitations of technology, they shed light on the intricate dance between the organic and the artificial, inviting us to critically reflect on our place within this ever-evolving landscape.

As we traverse the terrain of this exhibition, we are invited to contemplate the ways in which technology shapes our perceptions, challenges our understanding of selfhood, and redefines our relationship with the world around us. “Things Made by Telling” offers a space for dialogue, a place to probe the boundaries of our existence and envision a future where the artistic and the technological seamlessly intertwine, creating new pathways for human expression and connection in an era of unprecedented possibility.

“Things Made by Telling” is a group of four exhibitions in four different venues, created jointly by the students of the MKE Doctoral School. The title of each exhibition refers to the most fundamental dilemma of doctoral education: the seemingly irresolvable contradiction between the scientific and the artistic approach, i.e. the problem of the relationship between linguistic (textual) and visual (visual) representation.

To explore this concept in more depth, to think about it further and to elaborate it through artistic means, four different ideas have been developed, presented in different spaces and at different times. The different units are organised along the lines of the parallels to be found in the creative practices of the artists belonging to the group and the context of the themes they explore.

Photo: Máté Lukács