Fight or Flight

[v. 1.0]
June 22 – 30, 2023
at United Climbing,
Poznań PL


Description


What is “F.O.F”?

Fight or Flight describes the complex survival reaction of living organisms, commonly known as adrenaline. The exhibition presents an analysis of this process not only from a biological point of view but also from an economic and cultural perspective. Installations are placed between the walls of the United Climbing space. Although minimalist in form, they abound in confrontations with extensive visions of the future of humanity, such as those presented by Leszek Kołakowski or John Danaher. Created with modern machines such as 3D milling and 3D printers, as well as various AI models and smartphones, these installations embody the characteristic hope for a better tomorrow. What else are the bodies of people playing with climbing problems, lying on sun-warmed mats amidst the industrial halls of WSK, if not a longed for perfect world? This experiment combines two different subcultures without aiming to achieve any specific results.


Event

Various forms of activities that we love, which make us human, have been performed since the “beginning.” Over time, this process takes different forms influenced by economic and cultural desires. However, one thing remains unchanged: the need for effort. There is no satisfaction without effort, just as there is no perfection without imperfections. Dive into the corridors of United Climbing to engage not only your physical strength but also creativity, patience, and observation.

Freef-codes

The event was designed with the aim of obtaining access codes to Freef application which will be launched in the future. You can acquire the codes by following the instructions attached to some of the works. After filling out the form on the computer located in the bouldering area, the database registers how each specific code was obtained. Each code, along with the email address, can only be used once.


Freef


It is a concept of a free mobile platform hosting immersive user experiences designed by artists. We aim to make art accessible everywhere, whether you’re at home on your couch, in the forest, in the mountains, or by the river.

Making someone’s vision a reality can be challenging, but we are determined to do just that. Our goal is to provide a platform where the only limit is the imagination.

To read more visit Freef Page.


Works


Oasis: climbing holds made of cherry, 3-axis milling, generative design, 2023
Flames of S16: truck tire found on a highway, NFC tag containing a journal, 2023
Too Fast to Last: 3D print, based on a sports car rear wing, smashed in STRESS–TEST by newscenario, 2022-2023
Too Fast to Last manifesto v2: both .stl and .txt files have been shared to github based open-repo, transforming the work into an open-source project, 2022-2023
UNITY: clear coat, 3D print, Bell helmet, 2021, 80x45x30cm
Image generated using VQGAN+CLIP, the prompt: „naked people chilling in a tropical forest | digital painting”, sticker on transparent foil, 2022
Dance of Sadness: Ender v2 prints its parts with no filament attached, 2023

Portal of Glory (waiting room): 1h-long loop that reveals Freef access codes at the end, HD, 2023

Guided Tours


Guided walks and climbing classes for beginners are part of the program. This is an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the stories presented during the event, together with the assistance of instructors and the author.



Gallery



FAQ


What is it about?

There is no right answer. Dive into it, enjoy.

What does it mean 1.0?

Some of these works, as well as the entire event, have been indicated with version numbers, allowing for the collection of old versions, the creation of new ones, and collaboration opportunities.

Why adrenaline?

That’s a good question. As much as I try to focus on global needs, there is still a part of me that reflects my connection to action sports. Therefore, I decided not only to pay respect to it but also to create a concept in which adrenaline could be a source of hope for survival in a utopian world.

Why Nirvana?

During the event, you can find a playlist or on the event page that includes the titles of songs used in Flames of S16 and Nirvana. The name of Kurt Cobain has been referenced by Mark Fisher in “Capitalistic Realism” as an example of how American media adapted rebellion. Here, in Fight or Flight, we are exploring a similar idea. The end of well known Contemporary Art is in the air, what’s next, how it transforms? Is it even true?

Was the venue still open during the exhibition?

Yes, the climbing gym was open during the exhibition. It continued to function as usual.

When Freef will go live?

Designing something properly requires time and effort. Currently, my focus is on gathering feedback and creating initial works that can be shared within the platform. Please register and await early access. Stay tuned! Register your code here.

How to obtain Freef codes?

During designed periods. Follow @jakubkanna or signup for newsletter on the bottom of the page to stay up to date.

I feel like it’s just a teaser, is it good?

Yes, it’s just an introduction. However, if you’re curious, you can take a look at the F.O.F. Master Thesis by clicking on the link below.


Further reading


F.O.F. Master Thesis

Brochure


Credits


Organizer: @totoszka, Route setting: @misha.setting, Mentor: @intermedia_uap, Technical consultants: Andre Freiha, @kubamatuszczak, Assembly: @patryk.szczesiak, Ruth Müller, Freef narrator: @velvetm0ld_, Brochure design: @konelria, Documentation from the opening by courtesy of: @maja.szewczyk, @kamila.lukaszczyk


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