CULTURAL MEDIATION
PANORAMA [NEW ECONOMY]
A documentary project that investigates the contemporary art system, taking as its starting point the direct contact and involvement of different segments that make it up artists: galleries, collectors, institutions critics, and also the viewer. Through the collaboration of professionals from every segment, the documentary project discusses the current problem existing between the processes of institutionalization of art and the role the media plays in the locus standi, both "media" and the "public", in a society that is ordered through the media and the production services. Therefore, it is to reflect not only on those economic, political and social factors that have influenced the course of history in the locus standi social of art, which has had and has in heritage and collecting its corollary, but also on the transformations of the system that caused the current conditions that profoundly affect both production and management or marketing.
The movement toward the centralization of culture in the '80s, has led to phenomena such as art fairs, the boom in museums and cultural facilities and the so-called “biennial’s era”, with the activation of service-oriented economies, including advising and consulting. However, this does not mean the interest in and the knowledge of artistic practices have increased, or the social value of the assets has increased, but rather that art is increasingly perceived as the result of activities, just like another business sector. The production of visibility and the show that generate art scenarios have been increased exponentially, being an important factor in understanding culture as an economic resource more without losing (apparently) the status that traditionally came to its belongs, ie its aura. This particular process has created a backdrop where exhibitions have to practically be events, so much so that today it is difficult to see a work out of a curated context.
The cultural industry has changed, and in relation to contemporary art production focuses more on the artistic event than on works of art, turning culture heritage into something available; where from the existing heritage, the event is organizing. This has ensured, that the qualities and the importance of artists and audience have disappeared; getting a little active public, not receptive or critical. The system, reinforced by the need to receive positive ratings from th emedia, has caused the transformation of the individual recipient - the cultured, specialized and knowledgeable user - into a mere mass of homogeneous character.
This new situation (although not so new because it has been evolving over the last twenty years) reinforces doubly the main idea of the project: on one hand the decision that the project's ultimate goal is the production / collage of images and documentary videos, and secondly, due to the development in ARCO, show art fairs as the only structures for dissemination, promotion and marketing of art, capable of competing with the biennial era, funded almost in its entiretly with public money.
Panorama [New Economy] is a "in progress" project by visual artist Mira Bernabeu. The first public documentary phase will be held at Performing ARCO 2010 with 5 specific performances:
Collectors Performance - Wednesday 17 th february, 13 h.
Artists Performance - Thursday 18 th february, 12.30 h.
Institutions Performance - Thursday 18 th february, 13.45 h.
Curators Performance - Saturday 20 th february, 12.30 h.
Galleries Performance - Sunday 21 th february 12.30 h.
All performances will take place at ARCOmadrid. Los Angeles 2010
IFEMA. Pabellón 6
Performing section
Mira Bernabeu. Espectáculo-Enfermedad, Serie Mise en Scéne VIII, 2003
Mira Bernabeu. Panorama Doméstico, En Círculo Series X, 2006