VideoZone2
The second Video Zone Biennial., Tel Aviv, 2004
[a.k.a videozone 2 or Video Zone 2]

The following are a few of the screening programs:
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Program 20:
Montevideo:
Recent Acquision from the Collection of the Netherlands Media Art Institute
Part 2
Joke Ballintijn

Program 21:
Twist: Recent Video Art from Greece
Katerina Gregos
Twist brings together a diverse group of artists, mostly of an emerging, younger generation. This selection offers an introduction to some of the issues Greek artists are currently preoccupied with and a general overview of video production in Greece, the majority of which, it must be said, is created with limited or minimal means. Though Greek contemporary art is just beginning to emerge internationally, and not much is yet known about it, most Greek artists tend to deal with issues that are prevalent in contemporary artistic discourse and their work is well-sited within an international context. As elsewhere, one will find in this program heterogeneity of approaches, a proliferation of artistic positions, sensibilities and languages, and an absence of stylistic hegemony or dominant set of conventions. What these artists have in common, rather, are similar experiences of perceiving the world and their surroundings, a metropolitan genealogy and the reality of living in a rapidly changing chaotic, urban environment. Other than that, it is virtually impossible to pin down their work by "nationality" or other categorizing labels. The Greek artists in VideoZone are less (if at all) concerned with now tired and old-fashioned notions of "Greekness" and national identity, notions that have been more significant for artists of older generations. Their work is also less overtly political as opposed to that of many artists from some of the neighboring regions that have experienced or are experiencing totalitarianism, violent conflict, and political strife. Since the fall of the military dictatorship in 1973, Greece has been privileged with stability, peace and economic growth.
Younger generation Greek artists' work tends to be more sited within an international context, make use of communication networks, be more socially critical, globally aware, inter-disciplinary, technologically savvy and disregard artistic hierarchies. This is a generation that has grown up in Greece, but has set its eyes on Europe and the rest of the world and has shed the weighty "baggage" of the classical past which, until recently, dominated a large segment of the cultural production and discourse. This generation of Greek artists could well be the most promising of the last fifty years, as they are more "open" and receptive to every field of experience at home or abroad in their quest to express their own sense of individuality and to articulate a wide variety of concerns, global as well as local.
Hence, this program features videos that examine a variety of concerns: daily life occurrences, culture-identity issues, socio-political questions and the impact of pop culture and western lifestyles. On the other hand, one may also find here videos by artists who feel more at home within the realm of the imagination, and prefer creating a world that they themselves would like to live in. From brief documentary-style narratives, to constructed cinematic and mental spaces, digitally manipulated alternative scenarios, from nostalgic recollections of the past, to simple humorous vignettes and playful improvisations, all of these works manifest a certain "twist" whether formal or conceptual.

Program 22
White Noise
Sergio Edelstein and Doron Solomons

"White noise - noise in the background, voice disturbances in a recording." (Babylon online dictionary)
Ballet in an office?! Dancing in a mall?! Image as noise?! Word as silence?! According to some of the program's works, all this is not only possible, but also unavoidable.
The (seemingly) natural link between sound, image and meaning is being disrupted here, and rejoined in a way that examines the interrelationship between them as well as between us. (Doron Solomons)

Program 23
Artangel: Richard Billingham,
Fishtank
James LIngwood

Artangel has pioneered a new way of collaborating with artists and engaging
audiences in an ambitious series
of highly successful commissions since the early 1990s. We've created a reputation for producing work that people really want to see and for which they often travel miles to experience.
This commitment to the production of powerful new ideas by exceptional artists has been at the forefront of changing attitudes and growing expectations amongst both artists and audiences.
By producing the best art, in the best possible conditions, Artangel has become part of the cultural debate, both in the UK and abroad. A pathfinder in the process of achieving a deeper understanding of the world. Which is what art always offers those willing to take up the challenge.
Beyond the white walls of the gallery, the black box of the theatre or the darkened interior of the cinema, there are other forms of expression where the relationship between artist and place is of primary importance. This is a relationship which Artangel actively explores in events where context and content are often indistinguishable. An artist's response to the qualities and conditions of a particular place is central to the development of a project. And finding the right place is an integral part of the commissioning process we undertake.

Program 24
Kistune - Juao Penalva
Catarina Campino and David Barrow

Take me to Spain, Take me to Portugal is a selection of artists who work with video in Spain and Portugal, two geographically close countries, although historically living quite separately for centuries. Recently that inevitable connection, that undeniable cultural affinity, has been seen in an art world where Portuguese artists work in Spain (as is the case of artist and curator Catarina Campino) and where Spanish critics and curators look towards Portugal and take great interest in its artistic production (as is the case of David Barro). Thus the curators of Take me to Portugal, Take me to Spain decided to take this collaboration one step further, choosing jointly the artists in this program and defining together the criteria for its selection. Contrary to 9 Portuguese Artists, 18 Video Works (a 126'3" sample by Miguel Wandschneider and Catarina Campino), in which a certain generation of artists in their thirties were favored, the current selection replaced the age and thematic restrictions with general contemporary feeling.
As to the screening format in a film theater, it is understood by these curators as one designed for exposure and debate rather than exhibition, since some of the works require specific spaces when installed. To resolve the problem of this "inappropriate format," between projections of the different compilations, the curators will introduce the concept behind each work or group of works presented.
In addition, the curators, as well as the artists, wish to emphasize that the geographical location of the biennial was taken unto account and that some of the works were made specifically for VideoZone taking on the political context surrounding the event.

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