Once again, SENDA participates in the new edition of LOOP Fair, a unique event that redefines the experience of art fairs by placing the moving image as the protagonist. This year, from October 19th to 21st at the Hotel Almanac Barcelona, SENDA brings an avant-garde proposal by Mónica Rikić, outstanding electronic artist and winner of the Premi Nacional de Cultura de Catalunya 2021. Her video essay entitled “Somoure” invites viewers to reflect on the future of assisted living through the use of robotic technologies.

 

“Somoure”: An artistic reflection on the future of assisted living

In this context, Mónica Rikić presents “Somoure”, a video that is part of her artistic research project, made in collaboration with the Institut de Robòtica i Informàtica Industrial (IRI UPC-CSIC) and funded by the European platform S+T+ARTS and the Catalan initiative Hac Te (Hub of Art, Science and Technology). “Somoure” raises crucial questions about how technology, especially assistive robotics, can transform the lives of the elderly in an ever-aging world. Through a narrative that combines visual essay with conceptual art, Rikić invites us to explore not only the benefits of these technologies, but also their ethical and social implications.

The work, conceptualized, directed and written by the artist herself, features the participation of Agustina Isidori as artistic director and audiovisual producer, and Rodolfo Venegas (Sonikgroove Studio) at the baton of the video’s original music. “Somoure” offers a critical and poetic look at the processes of creation of these technologies. It documents the process of developing assistive robots, from conception to implementation, and raises a series of questions about how these innovations can affect the daily lives of those who need them most. This video essay is more than just documentation; it is a window into the future of robotics and an invitation to reflect on the role of technology in human life.

 

The screening of “Somoure” at Manifesta 15

The relevance of “Somoure” transcends the borders of LOOP Fair. This video will also be part of Manifesta 15, the European nomadic biennial that, in 2024, comes to the metropolitan region of Barcelona. From September 8th to November 24th, Manifesta will carry out artistic interventions in historic spaces and unpublished industrial buildings, and in this context, “Somoure” will be presented at the monastery of Sant Cugat as a key piece that dialogues with technology and contemporary life.

 

About Mónica Rikić: A pioneering voice in art and technology

Born in Barcelona in 1986, Mónica Rikić has built an exceptional trajectory in the field of electronic art and technological research. Her work combines code and creative electronics with non-digital objects, creating interactive projects and robotic installations that challenge our preconceived ideas about technology. Her work focuses on alternative technology and open hardware, exploring how these tools can be used in innovative and accessible ways. Rikić has been exhibited in prestigious festivals and institutions around the world and her pieces are part of important contemporary art collections such as the .NewArt {foundation;}, the DKV Collection or the Col·lecció Nacional d’Art Contemporani de Catalunya.

 

SENDA at LOOP Fair: A collaboration that drives digital art forward

Galeria SENDA‘s participation in LOOP Fair with Mónica Rikić‘s work reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of digital and avant-garde art. “Somoure” not only represents this vision, but also opens new conversations about the future of assisted living and the impact of robotics on society.

The invitation is open to all those who wish to immerse themselves in Mónica Rikić‘s universe and reflect on the role technologies will play in tomorrow’s life. Loop Fair 2024 promises to be an unmissable meeting point for contemporary art, and SENDA, with “Somoure”, will occupy a prominent place in this narrative. See you at the Hotel Almanac!