Démo de démos, a Series of Experimental Performances with Objects

« Démo de démos », a Series of Experimental Performances with Objects

First phase: Wednesday June 14, 2023 at 6 p.m.
Genia Schreiber University Art Gallery (Tel Aviv University) | Haim Lebanon 64
Three demonstrations followed by a round table

The French Institute in Israel and the Genia Schreiber Art Gallery are pleased to present “Demo”, a series of experimental performances, combining art, science, and technology, followed by a round table. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Art Gallery of Tel Aviv University.

Starting in Israel, “Demo” is a series of performances combining art, science and technology. Behind the mysterious name of “Demo” hides a daring scientific project bearing on the significance and roles of public demonstrations, and more precisely on the demos that are deployed in high-tech universes such as those of Silicon Valley (including those of the highly publicized Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple).

Based on the observation that public demonstrations are far from being anecdotal and that they structure life in society, “Demo” is intended to be a multidisciplinary project combining the social sciences, the exact sciences, design and art. By diverting demos from their original purposes, including commercial ones, the designers of "Demo" transform this activity into an artistic performance and scientific reflection, thus producing a new, original and high-impact demonstration device.

Composed of researchers as well as designers and artists, the team has its own resources to conceive and implement the first public experiments in the "demo" mode. While demos are a format commonly used in the field of technological innovation, how can we think in this field of presenting objects that are part of the creation of art and/or design? How can we learn from this situation and rethink this format in the world of creation, in a cultural place, or in an exhibition?

The first experimental phase of “Demo” begins in Israel, a country often referred to as a “start-up nation”, and that illustrates the concept of what is a “demonstration society”. “Demo” will take place on June 14 at 6 p.m. at the Genia Schreiber Art Gallery and will feature a series of three demonstrations in artistic context: Bold, Bug Antenna and Void Spaces. At the end of the performance, a round table will be held with artists and researchers around the following question: “Performance as an alternative mode of “publication” for art, design and science research?". Participants in the round table: Samuel Bianchini, Leo Corry, Dvor Harrari, Tamar Mayer, Claude Rosental, and Emile De Visscher.

A project coordinated by Samuel Bianchini (Les Arts Décoratifs – Paris), Claude Rosental (CNRS), Emile de Visscher (Humboldt University), Jean-Marc Chomaz (Polytechnique), and Raphaëlle Kerbrat (Les Arts Décoratifs – Paris)

With the participation of Corentin Loubet, Anna Schäffner, Dafna Gold Melchior.

With the support of the French Institute of Israel, the French Research Center in Jerusalem (CNRS-MEAE), the Arts and Sciences Chair of the École Polytechnique, the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and the Carasso Foundation, as well as the Matters of Activity Cluster of Excellence supported by the Humboldt University of Berlin, and the Genia Schreiber Art Gallery of Tel Aviv University.