CEBU, Philippines - Space may be the 'final frontier', but the future… the future will always be the 'undiscovered country'.
This seems to be the challenge tackled in a unique interactive art installation that's currently on display at 856G Gallery. Called "Sari Suki 2050," the art display is distinctly forward-looking, although to some degree being forward-looking is a characteristic inherent in all creative disciplines. Only that this one presents 'tangible predictions' by the VSOON collective.
With a life-size sari-sari store as centerpiece, the interactive installation forecasts what the Philippines' neighborhood convenience store might be selling in 35 years' time. It says something about how much mass urban migration, the trivialization of technology, increased privatization, the scarcity of resources and climate change will affect the societal states of affairs of tomorrow.
With cans of "Extra Virgin Canned Air" and tins of protein-rich crickets, with food ampules and personal data storage bracelets on the side, "Sari Suki 2050's" sari-sari store gives a forward glimpse into certain probabilities, given the background of today's crass commercialization and reckless consumerist trends.
"Sari Suki 2050" does not only frame a dystopian future where mankind is battling against machines or intergalactic invaders. It foresees a future where man is battling against the price and cost of utilities - a future where the relationship of vendors and their customers is no longer symbiotic but systemic; a future where man has to pay rent just so he can live on Earth.
Opening on August 20, the display runs until September 10. The general public is invited to see for themselves what can be bought and what services can be signed up for from a neighborhood sari-sari store in the yet 'undiscovered country'.