The National Museum of Contemporary Art in the framework of its collaboration with the University Research Institute of Applied Communication (U.R.I.A.C) of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens presented from the 5th until the 25th of March 2011 the project Codes of Disobedience & Disfunctionality realized by artist Martin Rieser and an interdisciplinary team of students, researchers and artists. The project was based on the outcome of a preceding workshop, organised by the University Research Institute of Applied Communication of the University of Athens. The workshop was part of the action “Global Gateway” and of the EU funded program “Civil Society Dialogue – Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture” in which U.R.I.A.C participates.

“Codes of Disobedience & Disfunctionality” proposed a different trail and a new narrative for the city of Athens and its contemporary transformations. Inspired by the posters and the graffiti of the city and taking advantage of the possibilities given by mobile communication technologies (GPS, QR codes etc) and the internet, Martin Rieser and the workshop team aimed to connect the urban surroundings of Athens to opinions and statements of its inhabitants regarding the challenges imposed by the current social, political, and financial circumstances. Anger, disobedience, opposition, disfunctionality. The features of the contemporary metropolis in the midst of a period of crisis will be the main focus of the project. Can the new possibilities offered by technology really capture the needs and the atmosphere of a city like Athens? Can they embrace life itself?

From the 5th of March onwards, in the premises of the National Museum of Contemporary Art, on the internet and at the centre of the city (in the streets of Skoufa – Navarinou – Tzavela), the museum visitors and inhabitants of Athens, were invited to follow the project’s trail and discover the spots where parts of the narrative are hidden. Special QR codes were placed in selected locations of the city and by scanning them with a mobile phone, access to the audiovisual material created during the workshop will be given. Combining elements of installation art, urban intervention, gaming and performance, “Codes of Disobedience & Disfunctionality” reflected Rieser’s long term practice on art and technology.

Concept, workshop and project development:
Martin Rieser

Interdisciplinary workshop team:
Elena Antonopoulou, Efi Avrami, Nikos Belomatis, Darie Budeanu, Dimitris Delinikolas, Aggelos Evagelidis, Eleni Giannari, Zaharias Ioannidis, Nikos Kaimakamis, Aimilia Karamouzi, Achilleas Kentonis, Vaggelis Kolotsios, Evi Korkofigka, Tatiana Mihailidou, Maria Papacharalambous, Dimitris Psyhogios, Maria Saridaki, Maria Vasileiou

Empedia locative walk implementation: Phill Sparks
Video development and user evaluations: Jackie Calderwood

Scientific advisor: Dimitris Charitos
Curatorial advisor & coordinator: Daphne Dragona