Steina – Symposium

Organized by the National Gallery of Iceland and the Reykjavík Art Museum, this symposium brings together scholars from Iceland and abroad to reflect on Steina's pioneering practice and enduring influence on the field of electronic media. 

The symposium accompanies the exhibition Steina: Playback, organized by the MIT List Visual Arts Center in collaboration with the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. It is co-curated by Natalie Bell, MIT List Visual Arts Center, and Helga Christoffersen, Buffalo AKG Art Museum. 

13:05 – 13:20 – Museum directors
Opening remarks by museum directors, setting the stage for the symposium

13:20 – 14:00 – Larisa Dryansky
Larisa Dryansky explores the unique position Steina Vasulka holds as a pioneering figure in the development of video art, highlighting her contributions and influence on the medium.

14:05 – 14:25 – Helga and Natalie
Co-curators Helga and Natalie present the conceptual framework behind the retrospective exhibition. They discuss their curatorial research process and share insights into how the exhibition was received at their respective institutions.

Break – 15 minutes

14:40 – 15:00 – Chris Hill
Chris Hill reflects on her longstanding association with Steina and offers a vivid account of the creative and experimental atmosphere that shaped Steina and Woody Vasulka’s early work.

15:00 – 15:20 – Lenka Dolanová CV
Lenka Dolanová presents her research on Steina and Woody Vasulka’s technological innovations and experimental approaches to video art, as detailed in her book Dialogue with the Demons of the Tools.

15:20 – 15:40 – Sigríður Regína
Sigríður Regína discusses her PhD research, focusing on her use of the Vasulka Chamber and her direct access to Steina. She also shares her role in organizing the exhibition through her academic work.

15:40 – 16:00 – Margrét Elísabet
Margrét Elísabet examines Steina’s connection to the Icelandic art scene, the impact she has had locally, and how she has incorporated Icelandic nature and environment into her artistic practice.

Break – 15 minutes

16:15 - 17:00 – Panel discussion on new technologies.
Æsa Sigurjónsdóttir moderates. Jennifer Helia DeFelice, Sirra Sigrún Sigurðardóttir, Joey Heinen, Chris Hill Moderated by Æsa Sigurjónsdóttir, this panel features Jennifer Helia DeFelice, Joey Heinen, Chris Hill, and Sirra Sigrún Sigurðardóttir. The discussion will explore Steina’s artistic legacy in contemporary art and the evolving role of new media in current artistic practices.

17:00 Closing remarks
Directors final thoughts and reflections from the museum directors, followed by a reception with drinks.

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