Max (xe/xem): virtual embodiment of a research group
In 2025, Maxlab will be celebrating its 10th anniversary, entering the age of teenhood. Seeking
identity is often related to adolescence; The teenage MAXlab will look for ways to identify itself in
the digital. In this context, virtual identity is meant as a performative embodiment utilising digital
technology.
The research group is an entity composed of multiple selves; a decentralised ‘I’ pulled together by
the overall research goals. To define its own dynamic identity and its potential, Maxlab’s position in
the digital will be made use of.
Identity seeking will be put into a virtual context. In the virtual, identity is consciously performed: in
what we upload and share. This presence is often spread across multiple online platforms. This
digital, fragmented presence perfectly reflects Maxlab’s structure as a decentralised ‘I’ with a digital
context. The project is strongly self-referential. The project’s goal is Maxlab’s own definition of
‘digital’; and its own definition of ‘identity’. By doing this, the research group’s dynamic identity will
be defined: the project aims to create a virtual presence for Maxlab. The output will help Maxlab
explore its own potential in artistic research and future potential. The content will be published in a
follow up Track Report publication: a science fiction coming of age story of the research group,
Max.
identity is often related to adolescence; The teenage MAXlab will look for ways to identify itself in
the digital. In this context, virtual identity is meant as a performative embodiment utilising digital
technology.
The research group is an entity composed of multiple selves; a decentralised ‘I’ pulled together by
the overall research goals. To define its own dynamic identity and its potential, Maxlab’s position in
the digital will be made use of.
Identity seeking will be put into a virtual context. In the virtual, identity is consciously performed: in
what we upload and share. This presence is often spread across multiple online platforms. This
digital, fragmented presence perfectly reflects Maxlab’s structure as a decentralised ‘I’ with a digital
context. The project is strongly self-referential. The project’s goal is Maxlab’s own definition of
‘digital’; and its own definition of ‘identity’. By doing this, the research group’s dynamic identity will
be defined: the project aims to create a virtual presence for Maxlab. The output will help Maxlab
explore its own potential in artistic research and future potential. The content will be published in a
follow up Track Report publication: a science fiction coming of age story of the research group,
Max.
Results
The output will be largely process based, a collection of insights and investigations. It will include
visual experiments, using tools used by online personalities and ones already in use in Maxlab’s
research projects.
-A lecture in connection to virtual embodiment and digital tools will be held during the multiplier even
in February 2024, part of the Digital Mythologies – Mythical Digitalities project.
-The project will continue as part of the ten-year anniversary of Maxlab. Here a link will be made
between the virtual presence and a publication.
-The publication will follow the hybridity already set up in this project. The physical publication will be
a printed matter ‘anchor’ that links to a virtual space.
visual experiments, using tools used by online personalities and ones already in use in Maxlab’s
research projects.
-A lecture in connection to virtual embodiment and digital tools will be held during the multiplier even
in February 2024, part of the Digital Mythologies – Mythical Digitalities project.
-The project will continue as part of the ten-year anniversary of Maxlab. Here a link will be made
between the virtual presence and a publication.
-The publication will follow the hybridity already set up in this project. The physical publication will be
a printed matter ‘anchor’ that links to a virtual space.
Promotor
Janna Beck
Onderzoeker
Kristína Fekete
18/09/2023 - 22/09/2024
