Big Bang Data
14 Mar - 24 May 2015
BIG BANG DATA
14 March - 24 May 2015
Is data the new oil, a source of potentially limitless wealth? The ammunition loading the weapons of mass surveillance? Or must data be, above all, an opportunity, a tool for knowledge, prevention, efficiency and transparency, an instrument to build a more transparent and participatory democracy?
We all generate data, from our mobile devices, through sensors, social networks, digital photos, videos, records of purchases and GPS signals. The novelty is that it is becoming ever easier to store and process this enormous amount of data which detects patterns (of transactions, behaviour, consumption, voting, investments etc.).
In the digital era Data Centres are set up as the new internet cathedrals while at the same time rapidly changing the whole process of decision-making at all levels. For example, what does this data tell us about a city such as Madrid?
Big Bang Data is a Project which explores the phenomenon of the data explosion which surrounds us. Over the last five years a broad awareness has developed among academics, scientists, governments, business and cultures that generate, process and above all, interpret data with the technology we are developing which can radically change our society.
The exhibition is co-produced by Fundación Telefónica and CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona) and curated by Olga Subirós and José Luis de Vicente. Artists taking part include Christopher Baker, Chris Jordan, Ingo Gunther, Erik Kessels, David Bowen, Aaron Koblin, Eric Fischer, Near Future Laboratory and Bestiario. Researchers, activists, designers, educators, analysts, cartographers, engineers, economists, architects, spokespersons, programmers and journalists, all offering different approaches to the phenomenon of Big Data.
Curators
Olga Subirós. Architect, strategic communicator, creative director in conceptualisation projects and design of exhibitions, installations, scenic art, museums and cultural institutions. Her projects always seek input from the public which is placed at the centre of her work, introducing new and unexpected experiences in transmedia environments. In 2006 she founded Program Collective with Mona Kim (Paris), Todd Palmer (Chicago), and Simon Taylor (London), a multi-disciplinary studio which operates throughout the world in the fields of architecture, art, design, conferences and cultural analysis. Highlights of its latest output include: designing the exhibition “Ferran Adrià & el Bulli” (Barcelona-London-Boston, 2012-2014); “Global Screen” (CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona) and San Telmo Museo in San Sebastian-Donostia, 2012; design of the “Are you Ready for TV?” exhibition (MACBA, 2011); the installation design for Dora Garcia (Spanish Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale, 2011) and the set design for the television programme “Die Klau Mich Show” with the artist Dora García (Documenta (13), Kassel 2012). She participates in the Masters in New Exhibition Formats at Elisava (Universitat Pompeu Fabra) and the Masters in Design and Creation of Spaces (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya).
José Luis de Vicente. Journalist, curator specialising in digital culture, art and technology. He is currently developing various research programmes such as “Visualizar” (Medialab Prado, Madrid). He is the curator of FutureEverything Festival (Manchester). He is a founding member of Zzzinc, a specialised consultancy for innovation in cultural institutions. He has curated numerous symposia and exhibitions in the fields of art and technology. “Machines and Souls” (2008, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia), “Arcadia” and “Habitar” (2009, 2010 Laboral Centro de Arte), “Invisible Fields” (2011, Arts Santa Mònica) and “Playtime: Game Mythologies” (2012, Maison d’Ailleurs).
14 March - 24 May 2015
Is data the new oil, a source of potentially limitless wealth? The ammunition loading the weapons of mass surveillance? Or must data be, above all, an opportunity, a tool for knowledge, prevention, efficiency and transparency, an instrument to build a more transparent and participatory democracy?
We all generate data, from our mobile devices, through sensors, social networks, digital photos, videos, records of purchases and GPS signals. The novelty is that it is becoming ever easier to store and process this enormous amount of data which detects patterns (of transactions, behaviour, consumption, voting, investments etc.).
In the digital era Data Centres are set up as the new internet cathedrals while at the same time rapidly changing the whole process of decision-making at all levels. For example, what does this data tell us about a city such as Madrid?
Big Bang Data is a Project which explores the phenomenon of the data explosion which surrounds us. Over the last five years a broad awareness has developed among academics, scientists, governments, business and cultures that generate, process and above all, interpret data with the technology we are developing which can radically change our society.
The exhibition is co-produced by Fundación Telefónica and CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona) and curated by Olga Subirós and José Luis de Vicente. Artists taking part include Christopher Baker, Chris Jordan, Ingo Gunther, Erik Kessels, David Bowen, Aaron Koblin, Eric Fischer, Near Future Laboratory and Bestiario. Researchers, activists, designers, educators, analysts, cartographers, engineers, economists, architects, spokespersons, programmers and journalists, all offering different approaches to the phenomenon of Big Data.
Curators
Olga Subirós. Architect, strategic communicator, creative director in conceptualisation projects and design of exhibitions, installations, scenic art, museums and cultural institutions. Her projects always seek input from the public which is placed at the centre of her work, introducing new and unexpected experiences in transmedia environments. In 2006 she founded Program Collective with Mona Kim (Paris), Todd Palmer (Chicago), and Simon Taylor (London), a multi-disciplinary studio which operates throughout the world in the fields of architecture, art, design, conferences and cultural analysis. Highlights of its latest output include: designing the exhibition “Ferran Adrià & el Bulli” (Barcelona-London-Boston, 2012-2014); “Global Screen” (CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona) and San Telmo Museo in San Sebastian-Donostia, 2012; design of the “Are you Ready for TV?” exhibition (MACBA, 2011); the installation design for Dora Garcia (Spanish Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale, 2011) and the set design for the television programme “Die Klau Mich Show” with the artist Dora García (Documenta (13), Kassel 2012). She participates in the Masters in New Exhibition Formats at Elisava (Universitat Pompeu Fabra) and the Masters in Design and Creation of Spaces (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya).
José Luis de Vicente. Journalist, curator specialising in digital culture, art and technology. He is currently developing various research programmes such as “Visualizar” (Medialab Prado, Madrid). He is the curator of FutureEverything Festival (Manchester). He is a founding member of Zzzinc, a specialised consultancy for innovation in cultural institutions. He has curated numerous symposia and exhibitions in the fields of art and technology. “Machines and Souls” (2008, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia), “Arcadia” and “Habitar” (2009, 2010 Laboral Centro de Arte), “Invisible Fields” (2011, Arts Santa Mònica) and “Playtime: Game Mythologies” (2012, Maison d’Ailleurs).