HKU Showcase

Curator: Martijn van Gessel (NL)

HKU Showcase is a mini showcase of upcoming talents from the HKU University of the Arts Utrecht. The focus for this showcase is on three diverse works in the field of “playful intervention.” The HKU Expertise Centre for Creative Technology has curated this mini showcase.

HKU University of the Arts Utrecht distinguishes itself with a broad range of study programs in arts and media to educate the next generation of creative professionals. We have a long track record of successful interdisciplinary projects, international partnerships and meaningful innovation for the creative industries and beyond.

4000 students attend HKU, studying at nine schools: Fine Art, Design, Music and Technology, Games and Interaction, Art and Economics, Media, Utrecht Conservatoire, Theatre and HKU College. HKU has four expertise centers that are responsible for practical research, innovation programs and knowledge development. The Expertise Centre for Creative Technology explores the possibilities of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR and AR), sensors, robots, 3D printing, algorithms and interfaces, and their application in art education. We aim to show the many ways in which technology can enrich the arts and how art can help us reflect critically on technological advancements. The center facilitates multidisciplinary experiments to ensure HKU remains ahead of the curve when it comes to cutting-edge facilities and workplaces.

Overview of projects

HKU Showcase

HKU University of the Arts Utrecht

HKU Showcase is a mini showcase of upcoming talents from the HKU University of the Arts Utrecht. The focus for this showcase is on three diverse works in the field of “playful intervention.” The HKU Expertise Centre for Creative Technology has curated this mini showcase.

Flora

Pim Boreel (NL)

Flora is a living audiovisual installation that explores the relationship between human beings, technology and nature. This installation is an airtight glass cube, totally cut off from the outside world. Within this cube, an ecosystem is growing based on condensation. Fractal-like spores are taking shape on the glass. When drops of condensation hit sensors inside the installation, light and sound impulses are set in motion. Set within a dark space, this creates an experience for the audience around the living entity that is Flora.

City Walk

Multidisciplinary team of HKU students (INT)

In City Walk, several HKU students work in interdisciplinary teams to create different augmented reality video tours through the city center of Linz. They invite you to watch the city in a completely different way, by zooming in on specific stories and details that often stay unseen. The audience will be directed to the starting point of the city walk by the map on their phone. The video will guide the audience from that point. Walk safe: don’t forget to be aware of your surroundings and traffic!

Casper’s Ex ​

Casper de Jong (NL)

Casper’s Ex is a playful interactive installation on the relationship between human beings and everyday technology. More specifically, this installation is about the relationship between our smartphones and ourselves. We feel attached to our devices, but as soon as a newer and better model crosses our path, we trade them in without remorse. The phone, however, cannot move on. Your data, your scent, and your picture is all they have left. Casper’s Ex is a lonely smartphone that’s been left behind and is trying to connect with you while you are passing by.

Project Credits:

• HKU University of the Arts Utrecht
• HKU Expertise Centre for Creative Technology
• HKU Music and Technology
• HKU Theatre
• HKU Media
• HKU Fine Arts
• Pim Boreel 
• Eva Asscheman

Biography:

Martijn van Gessel (NL) holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Utrecht. He studied History with a focus on Post-World War II popular culture. He has always been interested in popular music, and specifically in forms of popular culture that can be labelled “in-between,” i.e. popular culture bordering on avant-garde / high culture. After graduating he worked for two years at a major record label, conducting repertoire research. He quit his job to study at the HKU School for Arts & Economics. For three years, he worked at various organizations in the Dutch music and cultural fields as an intern. There, he gained experience in music and media art festivals. During his time at HKU, he started the independent record label Enfant Terrible, which is still active and has worldwide cult status. Besides managing all label activities for the the past fifteen years, he has been employed at the HKU since 2015. He is currently a teacher in entrepreneurship and a project manager for the HKU Expertise Centre for Creative Technology.