【ZITA】Art lecture Series：Elsewhere as Stage: The Cross-Cultural Passage of Art

This talk featured artist and independent curator Tuan Mu, who shared his experience in art-making, curating, and building international exhibition networks. Using his own works, he discussed the perceptual qualities of new media, how art speaks within cultural contexts, and strategies for engaging globally.

Tuan’s practice examines the gap between bodily experience and perception in virtual and physical realms. Key works include Patikulamanasikara, an immersive piece combining Buddhist contemplation on impurity with the virtual body; a mixed reality work inspired by Shinto beliefs and volcanic stone culture during a residency in Japan; and Calligrapedia: A Universal Algorithm, which explores parallels between AI and calligraphy. All reflect his interest in media perception, bodily awareness, and cultural translation.

Since debuting at the Athens Digital Arts Festival in 2022, Tuan has built a network that has brought his works to Europe, Asia, and the Americas. At the Durrës International Biennale of Contemporary Art in Albania, his participation in the “Taiwan Pavilion” sparked political controversy—his work was acquired, but his title changed to “Invited Artist,” revealing the complexities of international practice.

He also recounted his residency and curatorial project in Armenia with local art space :DDD Kunst House, presenting stone and writing-themed works that resonated with audiences. He urged artists to create their own opportunities, enabling their works to “speak again” in diverse cultural contexts.