Tech + Isolation: A lunch conversation with Jaha Koo

It's important that we as designers tap into diverse perspectives and look outside of our discipline as we try to solve thorny societal challenges.

As part of our Impact by Design events series, Artefact is excited to partner with On The Boards for a lunchtime conversation with South Korean performance artist Jaha Koo ahead of his show, Cuckoo, running January 23-26.

On The Boards' Artistic Director Rachel Cook will interview Jaha Koo on his inspirations and work in the context of our hyper-technologized society and its contribution to our increased feelings of loneliness.

The event is free of charge with a suggested donation to On the Boards. Lunch will be provided.

About the Artist

Jaha Koo is a South Korean theatre/performance maker and music composer. His artistic practice oscillates between multimedia and performance, all of which include his own music, video, text and installation. His performances closely interweave politics, history and his own personal issues.

Cuckoo gives touching insight into the tragedy of a lonely life in a thoroughly technologized society–all through a sequence of dialogues between Koo and three rice cookers. One day when his electric rice cooker informed him that his meal was ready, Jaha Koo experienced a deep sense of isolation. ‘Golibmuwon’ (고립무원) is an untranslatable Korean word expressing the feeling of helpless isolation that characterizes the lives of many young people in Korea today.

About Artefact

Artefact is a strategy and design firm. We help companies and organizations create products and services that benefit business, customers, and society.

Impact by Design is Artefact's community event series for people on a mission to design a better future. Join us to inspire and be inspired, exchange and challenge ideas, and evolve methods to create positive change. From book releases and art installations to lectures and methodology workshops, sign up here to learn about events and opportunities near you.