January 22th at the IFFR was not only marked by the tight screening schedule. Among the highlights of the first full day was the opening of an exhibition ‘’Art in The Age Of.. Energy and Raw Material’’ at the Witte de With contemporary Art center.
In the exhibition, which explores the use of raw materials, degradation and the possible future directions of art in the 21st century, there are two types of rooms. First kind are white spaces occupied by accurately positioned ‘art works’: posters, TV screens and objects of undefined purpose.
Dark rooms
The second sort are dark rooms, which are meant for showing video installations. Cozy pillows, welcoming sofas – could be a nice way to take a break from running from one IFFR screening to another and clear your mind with otherworldly compilations.
Referring to the Rotterdam’s reputation of the major European oil centers, the exhibition raises issues of sustainability and the use of energetic resources. On display, educational videos and documentaries financed by the oil giant Shell, as well as advertisement posters from 1930s up to this day.
No students spotted, but the IFFR director, Rutger Wolfson, studied the exhibits with interest, as well as other industry professionals. Even though the exhibition broadens the scope of the festival and adds extra diversity, our advice: unless you are an avid modern art lover or are sick of watching films, save your time and go for an extra movie. KS
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