Sydney
Glitch is a noun originated in the field of technology, defined as a temporary malfunction, error or fault within a computing and/or machine system. Glitch Decoded defines the term ‘glitch’ as a verb, an unintended or intended action that becomes a catalyst for re-examination, reflection and mediation of a system within society.
This thought-provoking and immersive exhibition offers audiences a contemporary outlook to glitch, granting access to challenge our perceptions of reality in a technology-influenced world and to embrace the imperfections, chaos and disruptions. The glitches are not technological anomalies that have no purpose to interrupt a system, rather, they are a metaphorical revelation of imperfections and vulnerabilities within technology, culture and society that stimulate us to reflect and change the way things are operated. Each artwork exhibited in Glitch Decoded has its own individual narrative that fosters a new understanding of the term ‘glitch’. Artists include glitch and NFT artist Adrian Cain, 3D glitch sculptor Mathew Plummer Fernandez and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer exploring robotic and computerised systems. The strategic positioning of their works in one space brings forth complex dialogue that define the exhibition’s understanding of ‘glitch’, by delving into the interaction and responses between humans and technology. Highlighting key issues such as the housing crisis for the ideal Housing Commission schemes in England and Australia; other issues include our ongoing conflict with technology and the speed of technology that destabilises our ability to reflect.
By situating the works into one context, two primary themes are explored. Theme 1 glitch as a phenomenon: encompasses a more nuanced interpretation of ‘glitch’, it considers social and cultural implications such as order vs chaos, global and local contexts (the likes of governmental systems) and artistic expressions of glitch art; all which highlight human experiences.Theme 2 glitch as an example of semantic shifts: probes into metaphorical extension wherein the word glitch is used in non-technical contexts, it also inquires into the broadening of meaning and cultural/historical influences. Both themes can be further explored through the audience engagement activities provided as part of the exhibition.Glitch Decoded presents a visual journey that is intellectually driven to inspire curiosity, engage in challenging concepts and critical analysis of those concepts.
Through an enchanting experience audiences are given an opportunity to explore the term ‘glitch’, to go beyond the technological definition and embrace the ways in which narratives can shift and alter terminology through different mediums of art production.
