Digital tools, or to be far more specific, the proprietary nature of closed tech, algorithms, and systems, are deeply integrated into our daily routine, impacting the lived human experience. As with most emergent technologies, artists, designers, and creative technologists are at the forefront of unpacking the shifting constructs. Curated by Nadim Samman, Poetics of Encryption at the KW Institute for Contemporary Art in Berlin examines, challenges, and speculates on the evolving integration or, perhaps, in some instances, infiltration of technology within cultural spaces.
Building on Samman’s publication Poetics of Encryption: Art and the Technocene, the exhibition spans multiple gallery spaces in KW and addresses a larger critically informed metaphor through three key themes: Black Sites, Black Boxes, and Black Holes. In addition to the publication and physical exhibition, the project features an online platform that showcases online commission works. According to KW, “Poetics of Encryption toggles between enlightened concern and occult dreaming.”
The exhibition is on view until May 26th 2024. It features an international cohort of 40 practitioners, including: Nora Al-Badri, Morehshin Allahyari, American Artist, Emmanuel Van der Auwera, Gillian Brett, Émilie Brout & Maxime Marion, Juliana Cerqueira Leite, Julian Charrière, Joshua Citarella, Clusterduck, Juan Covelli, Kate Crawford & Vladan Joler, Sterling Crispin, Simon Denny, enorê, Roger Hiorns, Tilman Hornig, Rindon Johnson, Daniel Keller, Andrea Khôra, Jonna Kina, Oliver Laric, Eva & Franco Mattes, Most Dismal Swamp, Carsten Nicolai, Simone C. Niquille, Trevor Paglen, Matthias Planitzer, Jon Rafman, Rachel Rossin, Sebastian Schmieg, Charles Stankievech, Troika, UBERMORGEN, Nico Vascellari, Zheng Mahler.
