Chen Chieh-jen: Worn Away Exhibition – A Critical Look at Dystopian Corporate Control

This exhibition features the latest film by Taiwanese artist Chen Chieh-jen, titled 'Worn Away.' The work presents a dystopian vision of a society controlled by multinational corporations, exploring themes of marginalization, surveillance, and the manipulation of information.

Chen Chieh-jen, a prominent Taiwanese artist, presents his recent film 'Worn Away' (2022–23), part of the long-term project 'Her and Her Children.' The exhibition delves into a dystopic 'Corporatocracy' where a global 'Empire' controls the internet and promotes a performance-based society. As wealth inequality grows and surveillance intensifies, individuals deemed unemployed, mentally ill, or non-conformist face societal exclusion and become mere 'material' for scientific experiments. The film critically examines the pervasive manipulation of information by ruling corporations, making it difficult for individuals to discern reality from deception and maintain critical thinking. In response to this bleak scenario, Chen Chieh-jen employs specific structural and artistic choices to propose alternative ways of resistance. The production of the film itself is inclusive, featuring protagonists from marginalized groups such as the unemployed, migrants, and those with mental illnesses, who are often devalued in society. Through the characters' internal monologues, which question the system and expose its manipulative practices, Chen aims to subvert the empire's narrative and deconstruct the illusion of a glorious future. He draws inspiration from historical and cultural approaches to illusion and deception, particularly from Eastern philosophies and religions like the Buddhist concept of Maya, to establish a counter-narrative emphasizing the equality of all beings.

Information and tickets for the exhibition can be found via the provided links, suggesting a standard ticketing process managed by Eventjet for Secession. Visitors are directed to the shop for booking details and can find general visitor information on the Secession website.