Catalogue of a group exhibition exploring a period marked by the presence of technology, the post internet era.
The Silent Age of Singularity features a group of 20 artists and explores the profound changes brought about by the emergence of the internet, stimulating communication and fostering the exchange of ideas.
The Silent Age of Singularity signifies a period of quiet yet powerful shifts occurring beneath the surface of daily life. As we integrate diverse ideas, cultures, and experiences, these transformations reshape how we communicate, create, and understand the world. With the dawn of the internet age, the boundaries between individual privacy and public consumption have blurred, creating a space filled with the potential for innovation and change to grow.
The 1960s stand out as a pivotal decade in the evolution of digital technologies, laying the foundation for the technological landscape we navigate today. Initially developed to connect computers, the internet marked a model shift with its inception in the United States. Tim Berners-Lee's groundbreaking invention of the World Wide Web in 1989, made public in 1991, brought millions into a new virtual realm within just a few short years. The internet swiftly embedded itself into daily life, marking a significant turning point in the twentieth century. Evolving beyond a communication tool, it has become an essential part of modern life, transforming individuals from passive observers to active participants in the digital realm.
Reflecting on human history in relation to technological innovation reveals a pattern of rapid invention—from the compass to steam engines, airplanes, and the internet. Today, we are experiencing change at an unprecedented pace, hinting at even more advancements ahead. These rapid advancements lead us to consider the evolving role of artists in a landscape submerged in technological progression. In navigating this terrain, artists are not only adapting to technological changes, but also redefining digital innovation in art. This speculative horizon prompts contemplation on the prospect of Creative Singularity—a realm where digital technology unlocks new forms and approaches for artistic creation. Thus, the question may not be whether artists will compete with machines, but how they will influence and transform technology to further enrich creative expression in this digital age.
Published on the occasion of the eponymous exhibition at Misk Art Institute, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2024-2025.
Featuring
Ibrahim Abumsmar,
Mahdi Aljeraibi,
Turki Alqahtani,
Omar Alzahrani,
Mohammed Chrouro,
Ayman Yossri Daydban,
Eiman Elgibreen,
Mounir Fatmi,
Saeed Gamhawi,
Samia Halaby,
David Hockney,
Soufiane Idrissi,
Ziad Kaki,
Khaled Makhshoush,
Ahmed Mater,
Bennett Miller,
Nam June Paik,
John Salvest,
Faisal Samra,
Ania Soliman.