In Montreal, A Laser-Filled Celebration Of Digital Art Launches

Our correspondent checks out the inaugural edition of MUTEK_IMG.

November 27, 2013, 4:10pm

Diagraf

Spring might seem like it's light-years away, but it's quickly approaching. In Montreal, a city known for its long winters, the spring season marks the emergence of works of art which, artists tell us every year, were created during the imposed winter retreat. Last weekend, the city's digital creative community united for its last bash before the cold--and creation--begins.

MUTEK), an internationally-recognized Montreal organization in the field of digital innovation, joined forces with the Phi Centerto put on the inaugural edition of MUTEK_IMG.

Unlike the effervescent MUTEK festival celebrated in the springtime, MUTEK_IMG is a more intimate affair. Boasting over 50 artists from different creative disciplines, MUTEK_IMG is open to the public, and aims to facilitate not only the development of Montreal's own digital community, but to spread its practices.

Clinker

The festival's first launch focused on the practices of image and movement in the context of digital creation, and was split up into three days to allow for a full exploration of everything it had to offer. Panelists shared their practices, visions, and reflections on topics like interactivity, mapping, Vjing, and data visualization.

Each day wrapped up with an audiovisual performance night, culminating in a closing performance co-produced with ELEKTRA. Local and international artists practiced the techniques they discussed at during their daytime panels, and were able to plunge spectators into their own audio-visual worlds, one more creative than the next.

It's mission accomplished for Alain Mongeau, MUTEK's founder and art director, who succeeded in establishing a space for dialogue, exchange, and reflection which will certainly open up new perspectives in Montreal's digital creative scene in the years to come--and despite the incoming snow, we certainly can't complain about that.

“Imagined as a unifying event involving a diversity of independent artists and creatives working in digital production in Montreal, the success of MUTEK_IMG exceeded our expectations. This first edition has uncovered a burgeoning and dynamic environment, throwing a spotlight on the many high calibre and ingenious, local and international projects undertaken by the participants, many of which are often the result of cross-collaboration between companies and artists. The generosity of participants, the sharing of these methods and visions and the excitement they generated, confirm Montreal's international reputation as a hub for digital creativity and innovation.” He said.

Not to mention that if MUTEK_IMG is a foretaste of what awaits us come spring, there's all the more reason to look ahead through the colder months. MUTEK's 15th edition, ELEKTRA's 15th, Printemps Numérique project, Sight & Sound, and the [2nd International Digital Arts Biennial](http://2nd International Digital Arts Biennial)… bring it on.

Here are some of the highlights from the festival: