Yup, we’re talking about GIFs, those moving images you see all over the Internet. Step aside, boring old still art!
Think still images in frames are too overrated? Jaded of the long queues at hyped-up exhibitions in museums? Well, since everything has gone digital anyway, it’s good to see art utilising the medium at the very first GIF Festival to happen in Singapore in October.
From 4 to 11 October, 2017, a couple of young creatives will be showcasing some pretty impressive motion graphics at Gillman Barracks. But first things first, what is a GIF, and why do we need a festival for it?
The GIF or .gif (for the pedantics) is a lossless format for image files that supports both animated and static images meaning that it retains all the file’s original data (and hence is bigger in size). But it’s the animated GIF that we’re more accustomed to – think of it like a short looped video or those moving images you find in the magical realm we call Instagram.
The GIF Festival is a collaborative initiative between NOISE Singapore (a youth development platform by the National Arts Council) and urban art gallery, Kult. Currently, there is also an open call for young people to submit their own original animated GIFs from 2 August to 1 September, so creative types, get working in a GIF-fy!
Over 50 GIFs will be featured at the festival, and if you want to see art jump to life right in front of your eyes, head to the festival.
GIF Festival, 4-11 October, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
For another interesting kind of art exhibition, check out this profane illustrated showcase happening this month.