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Information Experience Design (MA)

Matthew Chung

Matthew Chung is a multidisciplinary artist who delves into the realm of experimental immersive design, employing a diverse range of both traditional and cutting-edge mediums. His artistic practice embraces the exploration of ideas through the interplay of material and digital technologies. By skillfully blending old and new tools, he strives to unlock the boundless possibilities they offer, using them as instruments to expand the horizons of perception and human experience.

At the core of Chung's creative process lies a constant dialogue with himself and the world around him. Through keen observations and interactions with both tangible and intangible elements, he mines a wealth of questions, ideas, and revelations. Abstract concepts and natural phenomena serve as his wellspring of inspiration, captivating his curiosity. He finds fascination in the intricate systems—both crafted by humans and shaped by nature—that contribute to our collective human experience. Embracing a multidimensional approach, Chung approaches ideas and concepts from diverse perspectives, keeping his mind open and receptive.

Driven by the desire to translate these profound musings into tangible artistic expressions, Chung seeks to create works that can be experienced and shared with others. While his creations bear the imprint of his individual thinking, his ultimate aim is to contribute to the collective consciousness. He endeavors to evoke introspection and foster connections, crafting art that resonates with a broader audience and ignites a sense of shared meaning.

Alienation Cubicle

The pervasive influence of capitalist and neoliberal ideologies within contemporary society and the human psyche is a prevailing theme explored within my ongoing series, Hauntological Artefacts. Rooted in Stuart Hill's theory of representation, this body of work serves as a tangible manifestation and deliberate response to the profound impact of late-stage capitalism. Can these artefacts offer an avenue for (re)presenting capitalism and neoliberalism in a manner that more authentically reflects their true nature?

The focal point of this specific piece, Alienation Cubicle, delves into the realms of Karl Marx's 'Theory of Alienation' and Hegel's 'Master-Slave Dialectic'. It serves as an investigation of how the segmentation of labor markets, both at micro and macro levels, has perpetuated the alienation of the worker. What significance does our work hold for us as individuals? How has the relentless monotony eroded our creativity and spiritual essence?

Through the use of both material and digital mediums, this piece strives to (re)present the very essence of work and labor within the framework of a capitalistic economic system. By employing artistic techniques that invite critical reflection and introspection, this piece seeks to engender a dialogue surrounding the multifaceted implications of labor within contemporary society. It poses thought-provoking questions about the dehumanizing effects of capitalist structures and prompts viewers to confront the profound consequences of a system that often prioritizes productivity over the holistic well-being of individuals and society. Alienation Cubicle acts as a visual medium through which the intangible realities of labor under capitalism are made tangible, ultimately challenging prevailing narratives and inviting a reconsideration of our relationship to work and the intrinsic value it holds for us as human beings.

 
Alienation Cubicle: Early Stage ConstructionA short video containing some of the early stages that went into constructing the physical artifact/installation.
 
Alienation Cubicle: How do these images make you feel?Early iterations of AI-generated images using Midjourney. Images were shown to an audience to receive feedback for further iterations.

Medium:

Lumber, Steel, Hessian Fabric, Digital, Sound
Sample stills from video piece in installation.
Sample Stills Sample stills from video piece in installation.

Medium:

Digital, Sound
 
Moving Image

Medium:

Moving Image, Sound
 
Archived Hauntological MemesThe video uses archived online memes and archival footage produced in 1948 by John Sutherland: 'Going Places' – a Cold War-era propaganda film about the American entrepreneurial spirit.
Literature Overview that inspired work and was used as research.
Literature OverviewLiterature Overview that inspired work and was used as research.
Literature Overview that inspired work and was used as research.
Literature Overview Cont.Literature Overview that inspired work and was used as research.