Tanja Kristan’s work was featured in the thought-provoking “Böse Kunst” (Evil Art) exhibition that was on display at the Showroom von Roter Keil in Graz, Austria. This group exhibition, which ran until June 3, 2023, explored the complex and often controversial concept of “evil” in art. What makes art inherently “evil” or morally challenging? The exhibition was initiated by Accomplices – Verein zur Erkundung multimedialer Ausdrucksformen.
In my work for the “Böse Kunst” exhibition, I explored the intersection of technology, morality, and artistic creation. Through the medium of 3D printing and photography, I challenged conventional notions of evil in art and questioned the role of technological advancement in shaping our moral perceptions. My pieces deliberately showcased imperfect and incomplete 3D printed objects, captured as photographic representations. This approach serves to:
Interrogate the pursuit of perfection in both art and technology
Expose the often-hidden processes of digital creation
Blur the boundaries between the physical and digital realms
By presenting these “broken” proofs of concept, I invited viewers to reconsider their understanding of finished artworks and confront the potential for controversy in the creative process. The imperfections in my work became a metaphor for the flaws and complexities inherent in our moral judgments. Furthermore, by transforming 3D printed objects into photographs, I challenged perceptions of authenticity and originality in digital art. This layered representation forced viewers to engage with multiple levels of artistic interpretation, questioning the nature of evil and desirability in contemporary art practices. Ultimately, my work aimed to provoke thought about the evolving relationship between technology, morality, and artistic expression in our increasingly digital world.
The plakat design was by Clara Frühwirth.