Algorithms, love, and experiential art. Performing the System, a film exploring Operator’s work produced for st_age, draws us in with intimate interviews and compelling visuals, exploring love as the central force behind art creation, addressing themes such as the invisibility of technology, the instability of reality, and the transformative potential of art in and for the digital era. At the core of this exploration is the slow synthetic cinema series Soft Evidence, which challenges traditional ideas of truth and reality, presenting viewers with immersive vignettes of synthetic media.
By navigating themes of plausible deniability and the potential for sexual violence enabled by deep fakes, Performing the System invites viewers to dive into the practice of digital artists that operate beyond the frameworks of immersive art as spectacle towards hybrid, visceral experiences. This commission, showcasing Operator’s innovative approach and artistic practice, aims to inspire viewers to rethink their relationship with technology and envision a world where creativity, empathy, and innovation converge to shape a more inclusive and equitable society.
Performing the System premiered on April 11, 2024, at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum as part of the public programming of Organismo | Art in Applied Critical Ecologies.