Monster Energy - 2024

Spark 2024 - British Council Festival of Ideas - Hong Kong

 

Spurious and anecdotal facts are gathered, through the appropriated up-beat energy of a scrolling news feed playing at a gym, or navigating the edges of a lo-fi computer game environment. The crudely 3D animated film reflects how information is presented to us and how it may be interpreted on multiple planes; evoking YouTubers obsessively collecting empty beverage cans and professing their dedication to the compulsive consumption of sugary energy drinks; addiction, misinformation and fanaticism. In comparison, religious devotees see symbols and signs, exalting the importance of adherence to their interpretation of bible teachings, rather than drawing attention to the effects on physical and mental health of caffeine overuse, chemical sweeteners and E-number intake.

 

>> Nearly Viral w/ Ronan Mackenzie (UK), Hou Lam Tsui (HK), Samson Wong (HK)

 

‘…the works will reveal how virtual phenomena have influenced individuals' perceptions of the physical world. By reinterpreting YouTube videos of teenagers obsessed with energy drinks, Simons critically examines online discourse through his unique visual language. Wong revisits the Year 2000 (“Y2K”) Problem of the late 1990s, exploring the fear and chaos associated with global shutdown of technologies. Mackenzie constructs a personal archive using the aesthetics of Frutiger Aero to investigate the space where online culture and personal memories intersect. Tsui draws from retro commercials and anime of East Asia, accessed from the internet, as well as personal footage to craft her own narrative about virtual relationships.’