FUTURE IN THE PAST

Scrutiny of modern artistic practices is conducive to a multitude of possibilities, but the concept of this year’s visual arts programme of the Belgrade Summer Festival is based on interdisciplinary projects aimed at fostering novel and innovative works through an effective integration of interactive technologies, encompassing also the practice of performances and non-traditional urban spaces (façade installations, outdoor screens...), in an effort to respond to two main thematic focal points of the festival. The first is a reference to the relationship between modern technologies and the society, where a considerable number of projects explore the phenomenon of mass gatherings, and in the process, close in on the contemporary moment, political protests, masses of people rolling down the city streets, demonstrations, media coverage of the turbulent events, mass performances incorporated in the works of modern artists, and sophisticated analyses of popular events locally, which coincide with the tenth anniversary of the student protests in Serbia, but also the most recent student protests in France.

Interactivity and innovative quality of the projects, specific attitude towards the milieu of the festival and communication with the wider audience will mark BELEF 06, observing in the process the standards for presentation of the most important works in the field of contemporary visual arts production, but clearly placing an emphasis on the works of the so-called emerging artists whom, we believe and hope, will become internationally recognised and prominent artists in the years to come. Let us hope that we shall achieve this goal this year as well.

The new century will be about the so-called society of knowledge, i.e. the crucial roles of science and culture in the society. Information and communication technologies have contributed to this silent revolution which is radically changing our social system. The projects which approach the new technologies from different angles will be presented as part of this thematic cycle.

Visual Arts Selectoress: Anica Tucakov