st_age: an online platform for new artist commissions
The coronavirus pandemic has dealt a severe blow to cultural institutions. However, the Vienna-based foundation TBA21 decided to find a solution, a new way, and we had the opportunity to participate in the implementation of the online art platform st_age. Because if we can't go to find art, we let art come find us. And consequently we discover far more than just artwork!
And just as st_age surprises visitors with more than just artworks, our team and TBA21 created more than just a platform to display artwork. TBA21 gave us the task of creating a new medium for communication - an environment where art, creators, curators, critics, scientists, partner institutions and visitors merge into one vibrant whole: st_age, where we present, we talk, we discuss, engage and support.
CHALLENGE
To create a digital platform that is bold enough to present the unique artwork. We participated in the creation of the concept, branding and visual identity. We needed to invent a new format, a functional medium that will serve as a platform for presenting artwork in a broader context highlighting topics and UN’s goals whilst maintaining focus on the art itself.
SOLUTION
St_age is an abbreviation for "streaming age". The impressive audiovisual artworks are presented in the form of a timeline where text is scarce. Artworks come in the form of episodes and each has a narrative taking visitors through a series of posts to carefully present and also elaborate. Integrated search functionality allows visitors to explore and filter posts and artworks by keywords and/or topics. Visitors also have the opportunity to support the creators or charities or otherwise engage by getting in touch with the editorial and production team. The end result is a cross between a gallery, streaming service and a library. It is a universal university.
The visual identity of st_age was built around the eight keys topics which would become the focus of each individual artist’s work. Each topic was defined by a colour which created a diverse spectrum. From this spectrum gradient overlays were used to stylise social media posts.
