More than half of all data stored in clouds is no longer in use. In its impenetrable quantities, data loses its meaning and can be described as garbage that consumes energy and other resources. But what if we could upcycle this unused mass of data? When something is upcycled, a discarded object is provided with a new life. It is then used for other purposes than originally intended.
We have invited six artists to test upcycling as a speculative method for the reutilization of old data. They searched for data that they no longer needed on their computers, cloud servers, or hard drives. In tandem, two artists respectively swapped images, fonts, videos, sounds, or code and incorporated them into their own artistic practice. They embedded the files in ongoing projects, made room for them, or used them as inspiration for new ideas.
The new works created for the exhibition examine junk data and its impact on the environment. They create novel images that shine light on the hidden materials of the internet and tell stories of mindful digital coexistence. In doing so, they engage with the question of how we want to shape a digital space in which everyone can participate, today and in the future.
Opening on 21 November 2024, 7 pm CET
Online: Live stream on copypaste.pratergalerie.de
On site: transmediale Studio, Gerichtstraße 35, 13347 Berlin, doors open at 6:30 pm
