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MICRO/WEIV COLLECTIVE INTERVIEW
2007.06.25
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Name:Micro/weiv Collective
Current Location: Seoul, Korea
TNG: Tell us a little about how Micro/weiv got started.
MW: Micro/weiv was formed in September of 2006. For 2 years at the Korean National University of the Arts we were in an electronic music group called ‘총학생외’, and after those 2 years we came to a conclusion that we needed to branch out. We continued the music-party spirit of ‘총학생외’ and made Micro/weiv.
TNG: What’s the meaning of ‘Microweiv’?
MW: Micro/weiv is derived from the term ‘microcinema’. Microcinema is a concept known for low budget, digital based independent films that are presented in galleries rather than in movie theatres. Micro/weiv adopted this mentality of small, independent, post-production, and began to broaden our grounds to not only video art, but arts and culture in general. (‘weiv’ is a modification of ‘wave’, but also spells ‘view’ backwards) The slash (/) in between micro and weiv is borrowed from poet Kim Ji-Ha’s concept of balance. Micro and weiv are both equally as important as each other. Micro/weiv is a dynamic arts group that dreams of small changes.
TNG: Why form a collective? What are the advantages to being a group versus an individual artist?
MW: To be honest, we don’t grasp the exact meaning of 'collective', but we understand it and define the word as a democratic and flexible group of people. Nowadays artists possess very personal dispositions. This also applies to the members of Micro/weiv, but one thing we are after as a group is to have an open mind and communicate and work as one unit.
TNG: Who are most of the Micro/weiv members? Are they all artists? How can you join?
MW: Micro/weiv consists of artists living and working in Leemun/Sukgwandong area. Most of the artists are students at KNUA, but there are some artists who fit into neither category. Members of Micro/weiv are all related to the arts in some way, most in practice, but not necessarily as fine artists. One member is studying theory whereas another is just a good friend. Micro/weiv is run through separate projects so the group is flexible to welcome any artists who are willing to collaborate and work with the group.
microplex opening party
TNG: Is there a specific mission or manifesto for the group?
MW: Micro/weiv wasn't formed to serve a purpose, but rather a purpose was found after coming together. Members aren't separated into specific parts, nor do they have specific roles in the group. However, after the Leemun/Sukgwandong Microplex event, we were aware that there were some problems, so now in June 2007 we have decided to make a stronger system of rules. Most members are students at KNUA, but we are not necessarily related to the school.
TNG: What kind of activities does Micro/weiv Collective do?
MW: In 2007, the quarterly Leemun/Sukgwandong Microplex event had its first show. Micro/weiv's 'Finding Diamond!' will go on for 2 weeks at Gallery 175 in Insadong starting June 28th. This exhibition talks about the uniqueness of Micro/weiv in its surroundings. Performance art is also a part of the show. In August 2007, we are organizing another exhibition ‘말-풍선을 날리다‘ supported by the Kyunggi Arts Foundation. The exact venue and date are not decided yet. As a Micro/weiv sub-project, Project S is an organized squatting project, and we are also organizing '펜진 프로젝트, 마이크로보트’- a small novel that is made and distributed by Micro/weiv.