.editions

The publication (London: AIS, 2009) elucidates the work of Manu Luksch, Mukul Patel and collaborators as part of the wave of critical art that has emerged alongside the rise of digital networks. Interrogating the social and political transformations of the late 20th/early 21st centuries, their practice bridges art and activism, and recalls aspects of the 1910s-20s avant-garde and 1960s-70s conceptual and systems art.

A major essay by media theorist Armin Medosch situates the work of the London-based artists amidst the rise of the 'creative industries' idea, inner-city regeneration, and the dot-com boom. Medosch also discusses critical art in the light of 'open source culture' and offers an analysis that draws on systems theory. Other contributors to the book include independent media activist Keiko Sei on the 'camcorder revolution' in Burma; policy consultant and writer Naseem Khan on grass-roots regeneration in East London; activist/artist Siraj Izhar on praxis as process; and philosopher/dramaturge Fahim Amir on techno-democracy. 

FACELESS by Manu Luksch (AT/UK 2007) produced under the Manifesto for CCTV Filmmakers. 50 min, 4:3, English with Albanian, Bulgarian, Czech, English, French, Italian, German and Spanish subtitles, Dolby 5.1 / 2.0; more info

also available from amazon.co.uk

Slovakian electronica duo Jamka - Monika Šubrtová and Daniel Kordík - sees its creative purpose in sound and structure experiments based on improvising with several digital devices. This live recording was made during their performance at the "Slovakian Night" at ambientspace, London in January 2005. (26 min)

Documentary video on the first conference to analyze models, compare histories and agendas, and exchange experiences of what was loosely called 'art servers unlimited': a range of initiatives to support the blend of creative / experimental / noncommercial / sociocultural / artistic / critical use of the net which included providing internet access, bursaries and spaces for working, meeting or presentation. ICA / backspace London 1998. Links: [Video free for download] [Transcript]

Luang Namtha province in Northern Lao is, amongst other things, home to the Akha people and Black Dai people. These recordings capture the unique atmosphere at the end of the rainy season - an Akha man on his way to the valley whistles on a leaf while crossing a forest buzzing with the sound of crickets; in a mountain village a class of school children sing their favourite song on the radio; full moon celebrations at the Buddhist temple; roosters announcing the rising sun...