Organized by TEA Community, hosted by Digital FUN and FLUX, and co-organized by MANA, the 2019 FLARE International New Media Art Festival aims to leverage global academic resources and collaborate with international artists and collectives to pioneer cutting-edge creative concepts, showcase innovative practices, and provide educational training resources.
The festival features four main program tracks: a forward-looking new media art exhibition, audio-visual performances, artist-led workshops, and the 2nd TouchDesigner Asia Forum.
Infinitum & Depth: Interaction Forms Towards the Future
This group exhibition explores how artists reconsider the notion of "value." Entranced by the collision between technology and art, the featured artists immerse themselves in digital creation through visual programming software, re-engaging everyday landscapes to bring their inspirations to life. Believing in a reshaping future, they leverage interactive digital imagery to push the boundaries of visual art. By probing the blurred lines between virtual and physical spaces, they invite audience participation to forge interactive experiences that lead toward the future.
Co-presented by the Japanese and Chinese TouchDesigner communities for the 2019 FLARE International New Media Art Festival, the exhibition features works from five leading new media teams across China and Japan. The showcase spans large-scale kinetic installations, audio-visual interactions, dynamic visual effects, laser tracking, immersive experiences, and projection mapping. Blending cutting-edge technology with artistic expression, the participating studios and artists demonstrate the power of cross-media applications across stage performances, brand events, and art exhibitions.
Tokyo Developer's Study Weekend TDSW - FLARE 2019
"Reflective Control" - Industrial Arm Artwork by Digital FUN
"Dyebirth" - Installation Artwork by NOR LAB Studio
The 2nd TouchDesigner Asia Forum
In August 2019, the TouchDesigner China Community was officially recognized as a TouchDesigner certified community, with the Shanghai TEA Community taking charge of all future TouchDesigner promotion and training operations across China.
The forum will unveil major community development initiatives, global academic partnerships, and the most anticipated milestone since the founding of the TouchDesigner China Community. Serving as a vital platform for connection, the event will bring together industry professionals, educators, new media enthusiasts, artists, and designers to exchange ideas and foster collaboration.
The 2nd TouchDesigner Asia Forum 2019 | Full Recording (Shanghai)
Interactive Audio-Visual Opening Performance
As the grand finale of the exhibition’s opening day, this performance featuring TouchDesigner audio-visual artists from China and Japan is set to be the highlight of the Summit.
Representing top-tier Asian VJ artistry, the HEXPIXELS team will collaborate with Osaka-based sound artist Kafuka to deliver a performance packed with cutting-edge visual technologies. Visual artist Jimmz and sound artist D-2 from Digital FUN will integrate laser and lighting hardware control into an audio-visual interaction themed "Mechanical Regret," creating a powerful sensory experience. Meanwhile, renowned Shanghai visual artist 3EyesNuts will team up with sound artist Faded Ghost, utilizing visuals and audio to synthesize 3D environments and hyper-realistic textures for a uniquely stylized AV showcase.
Powered by TouchDesigner and driven by an international, diverse, tech-centric, and experimental spirit, this opening performance is destined to be a landmark art-and-technology event that lights up the Shanghai night this September.
"Mechanical Regret" – Live Performance by Digital FUN
TouchDesigner Workshop
Ben Voigt, a key software developer at Derivative and interactive media educator, returns to lead another TouchDesigner training session. As Derivative's Global Lead Trainer, Ben brings over 15 years of teaching experience, having conducted workshops in more than 20 countries and regions worldwide. During the first TouchDesigner China Forum, his workshop drew over 200 passionate participants.
