Lux Aeterna: Celebrating the Light in Everyone


Introductory / Welcoming Notes Title:
  • Lux Aeterna: Celebrating the Light in Everyone

Introductory / Welcoming Notes Presenter(s):

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Abstract:

  • Introductory Statement

    Welcome to ISEA2019!

    It is with much gratitude that I greet all who are contributing to the making of ISEA2019 in Gwangju. Thank you, Asia Culture Center, KAIST, and the City of Gwangju for co-organizing and supporting Lux Aeterna. And thank you, many participating artists and scholars who have so generously given your time and energy to make this beautiful celebration of creativity and community. I also thank the many partner organizations, such as Gwangju Cultural Foundation and Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, whose participation and support have been invaluable.

    It is meaningful that ISEA, having started as a volunteer organization of media artists some 30 years ago, is commemorating its 25th anniversary this year. Inheriting such a great tradition of expanding “the avant-garde”, we have had overwhelming responses from media artists around the world. Our program showcases 120 cutting edge artworks, including performances and workshops. The symposium addresses cogent issues of our time such as living with artificial intelligence, virtual/augmented realities, biotechnology, new urbanism and social fragmentation. We expect a feast of ingenuity, inspiration, and inclusiveness in addressing today’s human conditions while probing the future possibilities of mankind.

    Light is a source of life. Human civilizations have been based on the interpretation and utilization of it. There are many colors and shades of light, which make the world interesting and abundant. We express the light illuminated onto our unique experiences of time and space. Some are called art. Others are called intelligence, wisdom or goodwill. In artworks, papers, performances, or in plain human interactions, it may be up to the beholder to see this “Eternal Light” that resides in each and every one of us. Let us salute this light.

    • Soh Yeong Roh, General Director ISEA2019