A First Impresion on Cao Feis show "Testimonies To The Near Future" at Kunstmuseum Gegenwart in Basel

After the press preview of Cao Feis exhibition "Testimonies to the Near Future" at Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart, artist Johannes Willi speaks with Elio Melone, currently doing an internship with Johannes, about his first impressions. At the center of the conversation are Cao Fei’s immersive visual worlds between digitalization, urban transformation, and emotional alienation. For her first major solo exhibition in Switzerland, the Chinese media artist transforms the museum into a futuristic urban landscape of video works, installations, and virtual spaces.

Johannes Willi:

Elio, now that we’ve seen Cao Fei’s exhibition — which floor did you like the most?

Elio Melone:

I think I liked the third floor the most. Yeah, it had this cool ball pit, and I also thought the part with the green screen was really cool.

Johannes Willi:

And more generally, as an art exhibition at Kunstmuseum Basel Gegenwart — what do you think about a show like this?

Elio Melone:

I definitely think it’s pretty crazy that they transformed this whole building into one huge exhibition. That must have been — or definitely was — a huge amount of work, and I think it’s amazing that something like this can even be realized.

Johannes Willi:

There are a lot of digital works — do they speak to you more? I mean, you know painting, pictures, sculpture… but here it feels like a lot of everyday life flows into these works.

Elio Melone:

Digital art really appeals to me. On one floor there were these video games, which also had something nostalgic about them, and all the many videos being shown — I liked those a lot too.

Johannes Willi:

You’re also a skater — what do you think about the first room?

Elio Melone:

Yeah, if you can actually skate there, then of course I think that’s awesome.

Johannes Willi:

And the obstacles — are they any good?

Elio Melone:

Yeah, for the size of the room they’re not bad. I definitely think it’s very cool. Maybe a mini ramp could fit in there too, but otherwise I think it’s really well done and very creative.

Johannes Willi:

Have you seen other exhibitions that interested you in a similar way? Or does this feel like something completely new to you? Or to put it differently: would you like to see more exhibitions that go in this direction?

Elio Melone:

No, I’ve never seen an exhibition like this before. I have to say, I really liked it. It’s something new, something different. I didn’t expect it at all. That was very positive.

Johannes Willi:

Do you think you’ll go back?

Elio Melone:

I don’t know — does it cost anything?

Johannes Willi:

Yeah, there’s an entrance fee. Would you pay for it? Or would you come back with your friends?

Elio Melone:

Yeah, I would definitely pay for it.

Johannes Willi:

How much?

Elio Melone:

I think for an exhibition like this — how much would I pay? Maybe around six Swiss francs.

Johannes Willi:

For me, when I go to exhibitions I really like, I often leave wanting to make works like that myself. Do you feel the same? And if so, what inspired you?

Elio Melone:

Yeah, I definitely feel inspired now to do videography-related things. I’m completely blown away by it, and I’m really motivated to get started.

Johannes Willi:

And do you also have access to those kinds of materials and techniques?

Elio Melone:

Hey, I mean obviously in a limited way, but I’d say everyone has access. To get started you only need a phone or maybe a simple camera and some app you can use for editing.

Johannes Willi:

And if you made a work like that — where would you show it? Cao Fei can show these works in a museum, and we go there, think it’s super cool, and leave feeling motivated and inspired. If you made something like that, where would you present it?

Elio Melone:

I think if it turned out really cool, I’d post it on my Instagram story.

Johannes Willi:

Yeah, okay, cool.

Elio Melone:

And otherwise, I don’t know, maybe one day I’ll also make an exhibition and then I could show it there.

Johannes Willi:

Yeah, okay, cool.

Elio Melone:

And especially the idea with those tube televisions everywhere — I thought that was really cool too. It had something special.

Johannes Willi:

In what way?

Elio Melone:

Yeah, I almost find them more pleasant than flat screens. When you look at them, they have this full physical volume to them.

Johannes Willi:

Is there anything else you’d like to add to our little interview?

Elio Melone:

No, I don’t think so.

Johannes Willi:

Okay, cool — then thank you very much.

Elio Melone:

Yeah, you’re welcome.

Elio Melone, 16
(Student at FMS Liestal)

Johannes Willi, 43
(Artist from Basel)