Introduction

Building on the success of last year, Lumen present an ambitious programme of international media arts which takes another step towards exploring the historical and contemporary use of new technologies whilst examining their interrelated cultural issues.
Evolution 2003 will take a look at how artists interfere with, influence and punctuate mass communication systems and media technologies.

Leading international artists will deliver in-depth presentations of their work through film and video screenings, lecture demonstrations and live performances. The programme will feature appearances from pioneering contributors to the field of experimental film and video including; Dan Graham (US), Woody and Steina Vasulka (US), Takahiko Iimura (Japan) and Wojciech Bruszewski (Poland). Evolution 2003 will also see presentations from some of the world’s leading contemporary artists including; Cory Arcangel (US), Matthieu Laurette (France), Kevin McCoy (US), Surveillance Camera Players (US), Radioqualia (New Zealand) and Ben Rubin (US). The final day of the programme will see one of its highlights when leading postmodern sociologist Zygmunt Bauman and artistic activist Gustav Metzger, two of the most uncompromising thinkers of the twentieth-century, are brought together for the first time to consider major questions about what we are becoming in an age of advanced technological progress. Three film screenings featuring video works by Nam June Paik, Dan Graham and Ant Farm will precede the main programme offering a broader context for debate.

For details about tickets click here: www.lumen.net/evolution2003/tickets.html

Lumen exists to advocate a greater knowledge, understanding and appreciation of communication technology and its impact upon artistic practice and discourse.

Evolution is supported by Leeds City Council, Arts Council of England Yorkshire and the European Regional Development Fund (through the West Yorkshire Digital Media Initiative).

Curators: Dennis Hopkins, William Rose (both Lumen)
Assistants: Clare Chadburn, Josine Opmeer, Sue Pardoe, David Pearson
Advisors: Chris Fell, Derek Hales, Kathy Rae Huffman, Gregory Kurcewicz, Mark Webber

Thanks to the following people:
Arts Council of England Yorkshire, Emma Cheshire; CentreCATH, Josine Opmeer, Griselda Pollock; The Culture Company; Lux; Ster Century Cinema; Leeds International Film Festival, Chris Fell, Debbie Maturi, Darren Potter, Adam Graham; Hutah; City Centre Management; Sanyo; Leeds Learning and Leisure, Jenny Harris; Leeds College of Music; The West Yorkshire Playhouse; Peter Hamilton; Marian Goodman Gallery.