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Microwave International Media Art Festival: Culture as Play

Norman Ford

1/F City Hall

Reviewed: October 21

Most new media exhibitions struggle to find a balance between content and technology. Often, the technology - the hardware, software and programming - overwhelms or makes irrelevant any other issues. Culture as Play attempts to break out by using games, play and game theory as its overriding structure.

With a dramatic but minimal installation of black boxes made into a maze about head high, the show presents several comparatively lo-tech game projects. One or two are conventional; others take a critical standpoint, exploring notions of interaction, high versus low technology, memory, violence and urban space. The games - and the definition is broad - run from basic to opaque systems and those with no interaction at all.

But many carry few instructions, making access or an understanding of artistic intent difficult - even with the catalogue (unreadable in the dark space) and helpful staff.

The exhibition's strength lies in the vision of artistic director Hector Rodriguez and the Microwave staff. In contrast to previous shows, this one clearly focuses on its goal: the power of play and gaming in everyday life. This makes it visually compelling and shows that gaming isn't mindless fun, but a dynamic and topical way to engage with complex cultural issues.

The exhibition is part of a series of video screenings, performances and seminars, Oct 20-Nov 2. For details, go to www.microwavefest.net

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