HSE University and Adyghe State University Launch Digital Ethnolook International Contest
The HSE Centre for Language and Brain and the Laboratory of Experimental Linguistics at Adyghe State University (ASU) have launched the first Digital Ethnolook International Contest in the Brain Art / ScienceArt / EtnoArt format. Submissions are accepted until May 25, 2024.
Contest participants are encouraged to explore the concept of the ethnocultural code through artistic expression, drawing upon insights from cognitive science, linguistics, and neuroscience.
The aim of the contest is to create an artistic representation (for clothing, accessories, or prints) that communicates the cognitive dimension through visual elements (such as images of the brain, neural networks, etc.), showcasing the aesthetic potential of neuroscience, neurobiology, and neurolinguistics.
'The brain of a native speaker of a language, especially one fluent in multiple languages, can serve as a wellspring of inspiration. The worldview of individuals from a specific linguistic and cultural community reflects a distinct mentality that can be expressed through imagery, symbols, and colour,' comments Professor Olga Dragoy, Director of the HSE Centre for Language and Brain.
The contest is held in the framework of the Ethnomoda International Contest, whose permanent chairman is Alexander Khilkevich, trend analyst, co-founder of the National Academy of Fashion Industry, and founder of the Best Russian Designers Ranking.
Susanna Makerova
'This time, the aesthetics of neurobiology, the unique worldview of individuals from specific linguistic and cultural backgrounds, as well as culturally significant language expressions including phrases, sayings, and proverbs with an ethnocultural component, can serve as sources of inspiration for contest participants,' says the author of the project Professor Susanna Makerova, head of the ASU Laboratory of Experimental Linguistics.
The contest comprises three nominations:
3D Model—a digital portrayal of an avatar within an environment (static renders or a video clip of up to a minute)
Ornamentation (digital sketches or AI generated designs)
Accessories (sketches or 3D visualisations)
Prizes for winners include: an online course from the 3D Couture school, participation in EtnomodaArtCommunity multimedia exhibitions in Russia and CIS countries, publication of the top creations in the Digital Shkaf Telegram channel and Ethnomoda Project's social media.
To participate, please send an email to artroom.suziem@gmail.com with an application stating the author's name, creative director, and a link to social networks (if applicable), along with details such as place of study or work, city, and country. Please submit each entry in a separate email.
Requirements for submitted works: images in JPEG or PNG format, videos in MP4 format, and the file names must include the first and last name of the author.
The submission deadline is May 25, 2024.
The contest is conducted with support from the HSE Centre for Language and Brain, the ASU Laboratory of Experimental Linguistics, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Adyghe, Adyghe State University, the Academy of Architecture and Arts at Southern Federal University, the State Museum of Applied Arts and the History of Handicrafts of Uzbekistan, the All-Russian Museum of Decorative Arts, the Mikhail Shemyakin Centre, 3D Couture, U magazine, FashionTechPermCommunity, and EtnomodaArtCommunity.
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