Ping Mu creates fantasy for Exhibition Road

The work is part of Fantasies of Exhibition Road a virtual exhibition organised by the Great Exhibition Road Festival, led by Imperial College London, in collaboration with Kensington + Chelsea Art Week (KCAW). Mu was one of the seven artists invited to re-imagine the possibilities of iconic places within the Exhibition Road cultural quarter – an area also known as Albertopolis, which encompasses the V&A, Science Museum, Imperial College London as well as the RCA. 

The exhibition launched on World Mental Health Day (10 October 2020) features digital artworks inspired by conversations the artists had with scientists from Imperial College London who are conducting research into mental health and wellbeing. KCAW Founder and Director Vestalia Chilton commented: ‘The very concept of Albertopolis is explored in this project where science, art and technology come together. The artists can truly flex the muscles of imagination and explore our very human ability to dream. Perhaps those dreams may come true one day.’

Mu’s digital work is based on the research of Dr. Lindsay Dewa and Dr. Emma Lawrance who are both looking at how digital technologies can be used to create strong connections with a support network. Dr Lawrance is looking into the impact on mental health in the UK of digital charity Mental Health Innovations ‘Shout’ tool, a 24/7 digital crisis text line service supporting people in crisis. Dr Dewa is working on a Wellcome funded project on the importance of quality social connection for youth mental health, with particular interest in how this is facilitated in digital spaces.

‘Their research emphasises the establishment of deep and quality links, which are often supported by patients’ families and friends’ Mu commented. Mu has made this support network tangible in the form of a virtual net, which floats over Exhibition Road. The net is woven from 3D scanned facial contours of patients' families and friends. She explained: ‘It represents the reconstruction of real relationships in the digital world. These soft and invisible supports become the strength source and emotional support for patients. Their most intimate family and social relationships form the most reliable net and protective layer.’ 

In creating the piece Mu built on her skills in Cinema 4D, 3D scanning and animation that she developed while creating her graduate work at the RCA. Her final MA project was a video work based on the global pandemic, featuring a digital 3D rendering of an ape trapped within a one room apartment. She created it by first 3D scanning her apartment and building a virtual version of it, then using motion capture to project her behaviour onto the graphic rendering of an ape. ‘She wanders in a mixed space of reality, dream and cyberspace, like a trapped animal under house arrest in a modern prison.’

The work is emblematic of Mu’s artistic practice which explores the information era, the invasion of technology into life and the impacts it has on social systems, production structures, emotional relationships and ethics. While she often uses satire, dark humour and speculative fantasy to question existing structures and critique society – her work for Fantasies of Exhibition Road reveals the more positive, therapeutic and healing aspects of connecting through digital technologies. 

The other artists taking part alongside Mu are Ian Davenport, Remi Rough (who is also co-curator of the exhibition), Squid Soup, Space Popular, Sadie Clayton, and Can Büyükberber. 

Fantasies of Exhibition Road is part of a new year-round programme of online events for all ages. Celebrating science and the arts, each month Great Exhibition Road Festival visitors will be able to enjoy free online talks, workshops and more, leading up to the Great Exhibition Road Festival weekend on 3–4 July 2021.