September, 2024, Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Bogotá – Last Thursday, September 5th, we hosted an inspiring Think Tank Session. With our residency programme at the Bogota Museum of Modern Art nearing its conclusion, the event provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate a month of innovative research and artistic exploration by our talented residents.
The session showcased a dynamic array of projects that blended art, technology, and cultural analysis. Sebastián Mira, our Digital Resident from Colombia, presented his project, “Pixel Quadrants.” Sebastián’s work involved reimagining scenes from Rodrigo Callejas’s paintings through digital props and 3D visualisation. His presentation, set within a 3D version of the Museum, explored new dimensions of virtual landscapes and interactive exhibition formats, pushing the boundaries of how we engage with art in digital spaces.
Federico Reyes, our Curatorial Resident, made a significant impact with his Curatorial/Performance Web Project. Federico’s research delved deeply into MAMBO’s collection, examining how digital environments influence art interpretation. His focus on themes of translatability and untranslatability offered fresh perspectives on experiencing art in our interconnected world.
Ana Zapata, representing the Digital Visual Studies (DVS) International Collective, shared her project titled “Bogotá (Re)Imagined: Explorations with AI and the MAMBO Digital Collection.” Ana’s work brilliantly fused AI with artistic curation, integrating artificial intelligence analysis with the cultural landscape of Bogotá. Her project not only reimagined the MAMBO Collection but also tackled the ethical and cultural implications of technology in the arts.
Júlia Farràs, our Researcher in Residence from Spain, captivated the audience with her exploration of hunger and love through the MAMBO Collection. Her project, “What Feeds Us? From Hearts to Stomachs,” delved into how these themes connect with culture, memory, and identity, providing a rich tapestry of insights into these universal human experiences.
Juanita Bayona, our Research Centre intern, played a crucial role in enhancing our archival resources. Leading the project “Un-archiving the MAMBO,” Juanita focused on documenting, cataloguing, and digitising the museum’s photographic archive. Her efforts are making our historical records more accessible and engaging for the public, underscoring the importance of preserving and sharing cultural heritage.
The session was further enriched by our team, with each member bringing their unique perspectives to the table. Anita Sinner from Canada, a professor at the University of British Columbia, offered valuable insights into arts-based educational research. Cristian Zaelzer, a Chilean-Canadian artist and neuroscientist, expanded our understanding of the intersection between science and art. Trish Osler, president of The Convergence Initiative, provided context on advancing scientific knowledge through art and creativity, while Elly Yazdanpanah from Iran enriched the conversation with her exploration of museum education. Susana Vargas emphasized the importance of fostering these initiatives to enhance research-creation practices within museum settings.
As we reflect on the success of the Think Tank Session, we are excited about the continued growth and creativity of our residents. The feedback and ideas exchanged will undoubtedly influence future projects and collaborations.
We look forward to what the future holds and are eager to continue this journey of exploration and innovation. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from our vibrant community of artists, researchers, and educators.