Today we’d like to introduce you to Shuang Cai.
Hi Shuang, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My creative journey, from doodles on a napkin to curating exhibits, is a seamless blend of diverse experiences. Armed with a degree in Computer Science and Studio Art from Bard, I delved into multimedia exploration before fine-tuning my tech-art skills at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunication Program (ITP). Currently, I serve as the curatorial director at LATITUDE Gallery, focusing on fostering the Asian diaspora art community. Concurrently, I am a postgraduate research resident at ITP, where I redesign physical objects and intangible interactions. Additionally, I am a curatorial fellow at the NARS Foundation, actively curating and writing for two seasonal residencies. Wearing multiple hats as a curator, a mischief-maker with phones, an educator, and a community builder, I’m dedicated to weaving connections. In a recent collaboration with Team9 from Taipei and Accent Sister in New Jersey, I explored Chinese Characters for poetic experiences.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Navigating the multifaceted roles of curator, artist, and writer within the dynamic field of interactive art, particularly in the realm of technology integration, is akin to a carefully choreographed dance of responsibilities. The challenge is not merely the diversity of these roles but the need for finesse and adaptability to delicately balance them.
In my role as a curator, I often find myself in the position of a conductor, orchestrating exhibitions that seamlessly unite technology and art. Curating for new media art adds an extra layer of complexity to this journey. Beyond the typical challenge of synthesizing avant-garde concepts while ensuring accessibility, the emerging landscape of new media art demands hands-on involvement. This ranges from mundane tasks like finding the right HDMI cable to troubleshooting an artist’s TouchDesigner code frantically two hours before the show opens. These experiences provide unique insights into the challenges faced by artists, contributing to a more nuanced curatorial approach.
This hands-on experience in curating has a symbiotic relationship with my role as an artist. Having been through the process of putting together shows, I understand the markers of a responsible and professional artist. This dual perspective enriches my artistic endeavors, allowing me to approach my work with a heightened sense of responsibility and a deeper understanding of the collaborative nature of the artistic community.
Within this intricate and nuanced landscape, the challenges faced in these roles weave a narrative that is rich in humor, confronts various challenges, and embodies a continuous pursuit of the ideal balance in artistic expression. While the journey may not always be smooth, these challenges contribute to the depth and texture of the artistic narrative, shaping a story that reflects the dynamic interplay between creativity and the evolving landscape of technology-infused art.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my multifaceted career, I specialize in curatorial endeavors, artistic practice, and writing, with a unique focus on interactive art infused with technology. My innovative projects include curating “Queer Anxieties,” a thought-provoking exhibition at All Street NYC, where we explore textures and forms in the discourse of discomfort and queerness. The show, an extension of my previous work, “Queer Knowing,” celebrates diverse voices through mediums like found objects, soft sculpture, textiles, ceramics, and more. In the same gallery, I curated another notable show — “Spamtember,” an intriguing exploration of the intersection between SPAM the meat brand and art. This project delves into the absurdity and unexpected creativity found in the memeable brand, transforming digital nuisances into a unique form of artistic expression. It’s a testament to my ability to find inspiration in unconventional places.
More recently, collaborating with Team9 and Accent Sister, I facilitated a workshop and an interactive show in the physical space of Accent Sister in New Jersey based on the well-known 文字游戏(Word Game). The workshop taught the participants how to make their own word game and brought together writers, gamers, and regular Chinese character users, encouraging them to reimagine their relationship with words and explore the creative possibilities within the linguistic realm. The show is a special adaptation of the original Word Game, developed collaboratively with Dayi Yang and team9, which offers visitors a unique opportunity to physically engage with the game, creating a room filled with words that beckon exploration. We invite you to step onto the map of Word Game and be fully immersed in the intricate world of Chinese language, literature, and new media art.
What sets me apart is the ability to seamlessly navigate diverse roles, from curating impactful exhibitions to crafting interactive art that challenges norms. I take pride in my commitment to fostering inclusive spaces for artists, particularly within the realms of queer expression and technology-infused art. The intersection of my roles, coupled with unique projects like “Queer Anxieties,” “SPAMTEMBER,” and collaborations with Team9 and Accent Sister, defines a distinctive and innovative approach that contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the art world.
How do you define success?
Success, for me, is intricately tied to the presence of a supportive community rallying behind my creative pursuits. It transcends individual achievements, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences and connections within the artistic landscape. In the specific context of “SPAMTEMBER” in All Streeg Gallery, success materializes in a tangible form. My art pieces actively encourage audience engagement by prompting viewers to approach and initiate conversations with artists, fostering meaningful connections among people. If you’re curious about the details, feel free to ask, and I’d love to delve deeper into the discussion. The success of this interactive engagement extends beyond mere art appreciation, resonating in the collaborative and communal spirit it generates.
This approach to success is a guiding principle in my future endeavors as well. In February, I am collaborating with Shuwan and Tong Wu to curate a show in :iidrr gallery that showcases exhibition labels for unaccomplished works from a diverse range of artists. This initiative aims to encourage interpersonal communication among the artists and between artists and audiences as a further emphasis on the importance of shared experiences and the supportive community that underpins creative practices.
https://iidrr.com/Labels-Labels-TBD
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shuangcai.cargo.site/curatorial
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fkialmostforgot/
Image Credits
Photo 1-2: Installation view of Queer Anxiety, courtesy of All Street Gallery Photo 3-4: Installation view of Make Room For Words, courtesy of Accent Sister and Team9 Photo 5-6: Installation view of Jessica Wee: Plusieurs Rêves, courtesy of LATITUDE gallery
