The second OPENFILE Festival of Contemporary Visual Culture, organized by V/Collective, had its grand opening on 5 September 2024, at the Chi K11 Art Museum in Shanghai.  “A Whole New World,” the theme for this year’s festival, delves into the evolving practices at the crossroads of visual culture, art, technology, and pop culture. While the title draws inspiration from the beloved Disney song of the 1990s, it does more than stir nostalgia—it carries a subtle irony, highlighting the complexities of today’s ever-changing world. The Chinese title, influenced by the 2002 album from the pop group S.H.E., also resonates with a sense of temporal connection, bridging childhood memories with contemporary issues, and reflecting on how past influences continue to shape our present and future. The exhibition brings together a diverse selection of artworks that reflect the ongoing intersection of the real and the imagined. It investigates how digital AI, physical art, and sculptural forms converge, inviting visitors to explore the dynamic interplay and contrasts between these mediums. As the digital and physical worlds blend more than ever, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on how these changes impact our daily lives, challenging us to reconsider our interactions with both realms.

With contributions from 36 international and Chinese artists across multiple disciplines, OPENFILE presents a wide-ranging selection of creative expressions. Spanning from original paintings and sculptures to cutting-edge digital works and AI-generated content, the exhibition is divided into five distinct thematic zones—Shine, Shimmer, Dazzle, Thrill, and Wonder—across a 2,000-square-meter space. This year’s lineup features renowned artists such as Danny Casale and Nobody Sausage, whose animations have captivated millions; Christoph Niemann, known for his innovative visual storytelling; Emiliano Ponzi, introducing a new immersive installation; and Shantell Martin, famous for her dynamic line art. Emerging Chinese talents like, Steven Guo, Changchien Shihyang, Huang Heshan, and Sean Tnyualso present their latest visions. Additionally, the exhibition venue enriches the experience with interactive artist collaborations, brand exhibitions, workshops, and pop-up stores, providing a multi-layered engagement with contemporary visual culture. On opening day, artists Brolga and Danny Casale engaged audiences with their spontaneous live art-making, setting a dynamic tone for the festival. The event was further energised by surprise appearances from artists such as David Stenbeck, Gary Card, JCCHR, Lorien Stern, Ma Ming, and Zhang Quan. Throughout the first week of OPENFILE, a series of exclusive master class workshops offers the public a chance to dive into a variety of creative practices. Participants can engage closely with Danny Casale in creating hand-drawn comic books, collaborate with CROSSWAVE on crafting fluffy outdoor accessories inspired by their character Lionbit, explore Steven Guo’s Qing Dynasty porcelain collage techniques, and join Ma Ming in making LED light paintings.

This year’s OPENFILE Festival of Contemporary Visual Culture, in partnership with the brands Marvis, Salomon, DeLonghi, Lee Jeans, and Pidan, presents a vibrant and cross-disciplinary artistic experience, bringing together diverse creative expressions to explore new horizons in visual culture. Thai artist JCCHR teamed up with Marvis, the iconic Italian oral care brand, to co-create a playful pyjama party-themed parlour, inviting visitors to explore the boundary between reality and fantasy through an imaginative sensory dreamscape. Salomon and CROSSWAVE co-curated an outdoor-themed mini-exhibition titled “The Wild State of Mind,” with CROSSWAVE’s character Lionbit guiding visitors through speculative outdoor narratives, encouraging a sense of adventure. De’Longhi and Zuer Chen crafted an immersive experience filled with fluid ink lines set in a minimalist space, brimming with creative energy. De’Longhi also unveiled its latest home-use semi-automatic coffee machine, the Girardot collection, at the event. This new line masterfully blends mystical Eastern elements with traditional Italian coffee culture, offering a fresh at-home cold brew experience crafted with professional-grade precision. Lee Jeans, in collaboration with Huang Heshan, presents a world meticulously sculpted by the constructs of modernity—a realm forged and solidified through the fabrication of conceptual symbols. Concurrently, Agathe, in partnership with Pidan, unveils “Watching the Moon with Cats”, a music album brought to life through an interactive installation. This immersive experience allows the audience to unlock five uniquely crafted tracks, each inspired by the enigmatic allure of cats, offering a diverse and imaginative auditory journey.

Emiliano Ponzi, one of the featured artists in the exhibition presenting an immersive installation, is supported by the Italian Cultural Institute of Shanghai, which recognises him as a leading figure in Italian contemporary art. At the OPENFILE Art Store, Casetify presents a range of exclusive products in collaboration with participating artists Lorien Stern, Danny Casale, Zhang Quan. Additionally, limited-edition artist prints, uniquely designed wine glasses, and various art merchandise is available for purchase, showcasing the dynamic interplay between art, everyday life, and the commercial world. The 2nd OPENFILE showcases cutting-edge artistic expressions that are shaping the future of visual culture globally. By bringing together international artists, OPENFILE encourages a rich exchange of ideas and highlights the power of collaboration in today’s creative landscape. The festival’s name, OPENFILE, symbolises the open and accessible digital formats commonly used by artists, reflecting the shared, collaborative ethos present in visual culture today. By connecting diverse artistic traditions, OPENFILE serves as a key platform for presenting new visual experiences and nurturing intercultural dialogue. The theme “A Whole New World” invites visitors to delve into these multifaceted realms, revealing a new dimension of creative exploration.