“From Engagement to Integration: Examining Participatory and Systemic Approaches in Contemporary Art Practices” presented by Ma and Wu
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This essay delves into the evolving landscape of contemporary art, focusing on two distinct yet influential paradigms: participatory and systemic artistic practice. Participatory art, characterized by its emphasis on viewer interaction and communal experience, transforms the audience from passive observers to active participants. It fosters a platform for diverse interpretations and engagement, often addressing socio-political issues through immersive environments. Systemic artistic practice, conversely, presents a radical reimagining of the practice of engaging with complex, self-evolving networks that intersect technological, ecological, and social systems, challenging anthropocentric framings and acknowledging the agency of nonhuman actors. This essay explores the characteristics, philosophical underpinnings, and broader implications of these two paradigms. By doing so, it offers a critical understanding of how these emerging artistic practices reflect and reshape societal, cultural, and technological narratives.
