12/9/2024
The visual identity of ART COLLECTIVE: From the One to the Many harnesses the symbolic power of animals, transforming the exhibition into an exploration of individual creativity within a collective imagination. This design unfolds in two parts: a static poster featuring colourful, stylised animal figures and an animation that brings these animals to life within urban landscapes. Together, these elements draw on both traditional and contemporary influences to immerse viewers in the exhibition’s central narrative.
In the animated visual sequence, animals—each embodying a unique spirit and imbued with vibrant colours—appear within cityscapes, symbolising the presence of diverse artistic voices in the global landscape. This choice draws on the historic use of animals in art to convey individual traits and values, inviting viewers to interpret these stylised figures as symbols of the artists themselves. Each animal represents a distinct national or cultural identity and reflects the unique creative qualities that each artist contributes to the exhibition. Together, this animated bestiary serves as a visual and conceptual metaphor for the exhibition’s vision: a shared cultural ecosystem that celebrates the unity and diversity of artistic expression worldwide.
The exhibition takes inspiration from the collaborative art game “Cadavre Exquis” (Exquisite Corpse), where each participant adds to an artwork without seeing the preceding contributions. This method mirrors the exhibition’s ethos, representing a fusion of diverse creative intentions and narratives. Just as in Cadavre Exquis, where each addition enriches the artwork’s meaning, the exhibition weaves together the varied motivations and collective energies of its contributors to form a cohesive whole. Building on the exploration of Exquisite Corpse, the exhibition’s main visuals incorporate polyhedral animal patterns and 3D models. These faceted animal forms symbolise a state of potential, as if awaiting cohesion—much like an unfinished puzzle or a yet-to-be-loaded image. This approach reflects the exhibition’s theme of convergence, where diverse artistic expressions and narratives await connection to create a unified composition.
Curated as a collaborative, bottom-up research process, RESHAPE embodies the principles of ‘Reflect, Share, Practice.’ This acronym reflects an intent to challenge the traditional "white cube" format of exhibitions. Rather than imposing rigid, isolated displays, RESHAPE redefines the exhibition space as an evolving, interactive environment. The exhibition space challenges the traditional boundaries of art exhibitions, encompassing everything from traditional painting and sculpture to performance art and immersive installations. This approach invites fluid engagement, enabling the exhibition space itself to become an extension of both the artists’ narratives and the audience's experience.
As outlined in The Curator’s Handbook, effective exhibition design “should not only complement but actively enhance the conceptual framework of the exhibition” (George, The Curator’s Handbook). The design of ART COLLECTIVE: From the One to the Many aligns visual layout, colour palette, and spatial organisation with the exhibition’s narrative, creating an immersive environment that draws viewers into the artworks' stories. The stylised animal figures serve as recurring motifs, linking diverse artworks under a unified visual language that resonates with the exhibition’s theme of collective creativity. To further embody the spirit of collective creativity, LAC has created custom badges for each artist, featuring unique polyhedral animal designs. These tags serve as artist-specific memorabilia, with each animal symbolising the distinct creative energy of artists from various collectives.
The animation, which places animals within urban settings, reflects a broader trend of collaborative art practices that merge technology and artistry. Emerging artists, who often find themselves at the periphery of mainstream society, use new media to bridge the gap between isolation and connection. The creation of these animated sequences represents a dynamic collaboration between artists and curators, bridging creative visions with curatorial insight. This partnership positions the work within an international dialogue on evolving artistic concepts, where the curatorial role extends beyond presentation to co-creating meaning. This innovative synergy between art and curatorial practice not only enriches the exhibition but also resonates with a new generation of viewers, who recognize curation as an essential part of the creative process.
In this way, ART COLLECTIVE: From the One to the Many transforms spectators into participants, prompting reflection on their own roles within a shared cultural ecosystem and celebrating the unity of diverse voices within art.