On May 7th at 18.00 we invite you to the opening of the exhibition, “Ma pean magama minema” (eng. I have to go to sleep) at Rõdugalerii!
“Ma pean magama minema” is a reflection on how we experienced the internet 10 years ago, when social media wasn’t as prevalent and the rest of the web was unknown land? Where finding necessary info was just a few keywords away and not hidden by a flood of AI generated responses and targeted advertisements?
The intention isn’t to nostalgia-baiting, but to create a discussion: is this sort of raw interaction and unfiltered environment, where people can just exist, even possible anymore?
The Internet was once a window into the world wide web, where everyone could find something fun or interesting, if you knew what to search for. It was a place to go and return from, once you had had enough. By today we have got ourselves stuck in the web, as so many of our everyday activities and documents have all moved into the digital world. Even to access basic information you might need to log in or scan a QR code, making it near impossible to function day to day without a strong Internet connection.
From the early days of the web, you may remember these words of advice: never give out your real name, never trust anyone, and you never know who is on the other side of the screen. Nowadays the average user’s profile features their full legal name, their face, and other personal information that can put together a near perfect picture. This isn’t helped by all the big corporations encouraging us to share our info to feed us more relevant ads and rake the profits.
The Internet’s image has changed in time, and a secret hideout has become a Panopticon. If you’re not available for a few days, we become worried or upset. If the green dot next to your name lights up, you’re expected to answer right away.
The exhibition is held by three artists, Heldin Riga, Kirke Ritsik and Kärt Haak, who all have their personal experience and vision of the internet. Their contributions to the discussion are spoken using different techniques such as linocut, drypoint, illustration and sculpture.
The exhibition will stay open until 31.05 at Rõdugalerii, situated at Kastani 42, in Aparaaditehas’ courtyard, entrance door number 7, second floor.
Rõdugalerii is open from Wed-Sun 12-18.