Public Program
Symposium: Mindful Joint 2017
17, May, 2017 (Wed) 15:00 – 18:30
Art Hall(B1)
Symposium: Mindful Joint 2017
The English word “joint” means a point where two or more bones meet. The primary function of a joint is to promote movements and sustain the weight of an animal. That is to say, a joint connects two or more things to activate motion and keep them sustainable as a whole. An impossibility becomes possible through a network of connection. Mindful Joint 2017 brings together various practices in contemporary art that focus on artistic research and knowledge production through networks of connections among cultures, areas of study, and different fields of knowledge. Contemporary art goes beyond mere production of art objects and exhibitions. It rather focuses more on mediating art objects, people, and creators through various types of public programs, workshops, seminars, performances, lectures, talks, etc. The tendency is not to have a hierarchy but to have meaningful exchanges and interactions in an equal manner. In this sense, the first premise of Mindful Joint is that there is no hierarchy of knowledge, culture, and experience. The second premise is that “human intelligence is like water, air, and fire. They are shared on Earth as common” as Lewis Hyde would say. Mindful Joint is opposed to the idea that there are some people who know more and who know less in relation to the notions of ownership and power. Through the annual symposium and smaller events, we attempt to gather people who try to join different pieces of knowledge, cultures, and experiences as a productive activity.