In conjunction with the exhibition Let's Entertain and Art Entertainment Network (aen.walkerart.org), the Walker Art Center hosted a 12-week online discussion investigating the reasons we are entertained and the ways entertainment affects our relationship to art and technology.
EAT is inspired by the 1966 organization of the same acronym: Experiments in Art and Technology (E.A.T.), founded by engineer Billy Klüver. E.A.T. sought to pair engineers with artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, John Cage, and Andy Warhol; some of their collaborative projects were seen at the World Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan. The Walker's EAT is a contemporary manifestation with an expanded objective that considers the dynamics between forms of entertainment, mass media, art, and technology.
No matter what your preferred form of entertainment, the consumption of it is subject to a basic set of tracts. Each of EAT's six tracts--choice, engagement, competition, mischief, surrender, and sacrifice--will be addressed for two weeks and led by a different set of invited artists, writers, theorists, and technocultural producers. Pick your favorite and dig in! EAT will be digested on the Walker's Web site once a week. Sign up for the listserv conversation or for the weekly digest.
CHOICE (WHAT SHALL I DO TODAY?)FEBRUARY 11-26
With such a range of options tugging at our desires, we are often identified by our entertainment choices. Get to the bottom of how and why we choose the forms of entertainment we do.
FEBRUARY 27-MARCH 11
Entertainment is always getting bigger, better, and faster. What would happen if we stopped and asked ourselves if we're having a good time?
MARCH 12-MARCH 25
Adding competition to any form of entertainment helps make it more spectacular to both viewers and participants. Take a look at the effects of competition in a work-hard/play-hard environment.
MARCH 26-APRIL 8
Popular entertainment is rife with pranksters, hackers, and troublemakers looking to subvert the rules of the game. Perhaps it's time we paid attention to those who work against the system to create their own forms of entertainment.
APRIL 9-APRIL 22
Slipping away from reality is crucial to the pleasure of entertainment. Has life become entertainment, with reality now taking the back seat?
APRIL 23-MAY 7
Entertainment is all about us and what we are willing to put out for. How much we are willing to give up if we can't shorten the download time?
Walker Art Center Calendar,
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event type: Online Forum location: hosted by the Walker Art Center start date: February 11, 2000 end date: May 7, 2000 |
status: host credit line: EAT WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM THE BUSH FOUNDATION. |