Opening Reception: Affective Mobilization

“Affective Mobilization” is an MFA thesis exhibition by Anton Lapov, an artist from Ukraine.

Lapov’s thesis project is the result of his two-years research of collective body awareness in a virtual space realized as an interactive sound environment. Conceptual background is defined by critical re-thinking of the idea of digital interface and its role in structuring social reality. The project has evolved from a strictly technical exercise in the application of machine learning techniques for sound-synthesis to a more open-ended interactive environment for collective improvisation.

The full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 rendered the techno-aesthetic focus of the project irrelevant in the face of the backlash of reactionary dictatorships. In addition, Lapov realized a discursive stalemate of rhizomatic tolerant ignorance in the sphere of cultural and academic production. Struggling to find the reason to make art again, he decided to reframe the project according to the geopolitical agenda and practical opportunities of a gallery situation. Now the main task of the project is raising awareness about the situation in Ukraine and provoking reflections about collective responsibility for the future of a world in a new global conflict.

During the exhibition, funds for Ukrainian charity organizations will be collected. After the show, its main structural element–a US military tent – will be donated to a volunteer unit in Ukraine. The project will culminate on April 29, 6 p.m.—10 p.m. with a “Fundraiser For Ukraine” event with support from local sound-artists.