Sites of Encounter is composed of three short films exploring the intersection between spatial memory and architecture within games. The narrative follows an intimate dialogue between a group of characters as they navigate contemporary labour conditions, using spatial structures to activate an archive of memories. The structure of the work in many ways resembles a theater piece. There are three acts divided into three scenes. Each part of the trilogy is a self-contained dramatic unit, although the endings of the first two acts lead naturally into the play that follows them. Sites of encounter deals with issues related to contemporary work conditions, video games and man-made environment, whether it is architecture or space of video games themselves.
The artistic practice of Croatian artist Mario Mu revolves around projects which are often constructed as extended gaming platforms. In addition to sound and drawing, his preferred media often include elements of game design, 3D animation, and performance. A student of Hito Steyerl, Mu received an MFA in Berlin from the University of the Arts (UdK) in Berlin in 2017, a BFA with a major in Painting from the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb, in 2015, and an MA from the Faculty of Graphic Arts in 2012 from the same institution. Between 2016 and 2017, Mu was an active member of the Research Center for the Proxy Politics in Berlin. He has been working on several LARP events as an author, collaborator and/or performer at Play Co London and Zagreb, Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam, Galerie gr_und, Acud, and UdK in Berlin. Mu is currently working on a new game project initiated by the Portuguese artist Odete and supported by Maat Museum and Boca Bienal.
Mario Mu, Sites of Encounter, video installation, color, sound 1920 x 1080 3 × 18', wood panels, 2022 (images courtesy of the artist) Solo exhibition Gallery Nova, Zagreb. WHW Collective , Curated by Ana KovacicPhoto credits Sanja Bistricic
LINK: Mario Mu
