On November 11th, FORTHEFUTURE hosted a curated field trip to the Getty Research Institute for an immersive exploration of Sensing the Future: Experiments in Art and Technology (E.A.T.). This exclusive tour brought together artists, scholars, and creatives for a deep dive into the intersections of sound, technology, and artistic experimentation.
The day began with a guided tour of the Sensing the Future exhibit, where attendees engaged with groundbreaking works that examined the evolving relationship between art and engineering. The exhibit highlighted key moments from the 1960s Experiments in Art and Technology movement, contextualizing the radical ways artists and engineers collaborated to expand the possibilities of artistic expression.
A central theme of the visit was the critical dialogue around the balance between technology and human interaction in the future of art-making. During our discussion with curators Nancy Perloff and Alex Jones, attendees explored the importance of maintaining a sense of humanness in creative practices, ensuring that technological advancements serve as tools for deepening artistic engagement rather than replacing the tactile, emotional, and communal aspects of art. This conversation resonated deeply, sparking thoughtful discourse on the evolving role of AI, digital media, and machine learning in contemporary practice.
A key highlight of the experience was the Special Collections archive visit, where guests had the rare opportunity to engage with archival materials from pioneering figures such as Ben Patterson, John Cage, and Jason Moran. These artifacts offered firsthand insight into the lineage of experimental sound art and performance, allowing attendees to draw connections between past innovations and contemporary practices. The level of engagement and curiosity among participants underscored the significance of these materials in shaping ongoing artistic dialogues.
The event was a resounding success, with attendees expressing enthusiasm for both the exhibition and the in-depth discussions it inspired. The trip not only fostered a greater appreciation for the historical foundations of experimental art but also encouraged critical reflection on the trajectory of creative practices in an increasingly technological world. FORTHEFUTURE looks forward to building on this experience with future engagements that continue to bridge the past, present, and future of sound and performance art.
