Denver is once again showcasing the dynamic world of video-based art through its biannual festival, Month of Video, or ‘.MOV.’
This vibrant celebration not only highlights a plethora of video art but also addresses a notable scarcity of time-based artwork in the local art scene.
Running throughout July, the festival presents an array of exhibitions and screening events across various locations in Denver, ensuring accessibility with all events being free to the public.
From July 5, when the opening night kicked off the celebrations, art enthusiasts can engage with an eclectic mix of programming that ranges from animated shorts to live video performances and thought-provoking installations.
Jenna Maurice, co-founder of Month of Video, emphasized the unique challenges of showcasing video art, stating, “You need a screen, you need a projector. You also need it to be dark. You need sound not to interfere.”
The inception of Month of Video arose from a desire to fill the gap in the representation of video art in galleries and museums.
Maurice, alongside fellow video artist Adán De La Garza, noted that while sculptures and paintings are prevalent in every museum, video art often remains overlooked or marginalized.
De La Garza remarked about the festival’s objective, “Different people function in different communities, so they might have access to different artists and different work.”
The festival aims to uplift diverse voices in the video art community while also ensuring that all participating artists receive compensation for their work, distinguishing Month of Video from other art festivals.
“We’re making a space for people so that they can explore,” Maurice affirmed, shedding light on the importance of supporting local artists.
This year’s programming features a variety of unique events and exhibitions, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to showcasing a range of experiences.
One highlight is the documentary screening of “Buildings Are Heavy” on July 12 at Rainbow Dome from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Set in Denver, the documentary captures the intricacies of how spaces influence the identity of a city and its residents.
For those seeking a blend of sound and visual artistry, the Harmonic Ooze Records showcase on July 15 at The Shop at Matter promises an experimental night of sound and projection featuring Tucson-based artists.
Further along the festival, on July 19 at 8 p.m., the screening of “Making Taste 6,” an animation-focused showcase curated by Collective Misnomer, encourages attendees to engage with cutting-edge animation art.
Additionally, “It’s Projecting a Big Hot Video Mess” at Glob on July 25 from 6 to 11 p.m. invites audiences to grapple with the evolving definitions of traditional animation and narrative video.
The festival will conclude with the electrifying “Eclectic Systems” closing night at Rainbow Dome, offering three live experimental works that challenge the conventions of video and performance art.
Beyond traditional screenings, Month of Video expands its reach with outdoor exhibitions that can be enjoyed from the street.
Art installations visible in Denver’s Central Business District include commissioned works displayed on the downtown LED screens and innovative projections on the D&F Clock Tower.
Maurice expressed excitement about the reception of these outdoor displays, noting that the D&F Clock Tower has hosted them at the most extreme level yet, promising an engaging experience for passersby.
The festival also features various exhibitions and receptions throughout the month, such as “Unplayable” at The Storeroom Gallery from July 3 through September 5, and “Again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again” at Squirm Gallery from July 7 through August 2.
Another significant exhibition is “Moving Still: Video Art Highlights from the Dikeou Collection,” which runs from July 9 through August 1.
The reception for this collection is scheduled for July 10, giving attendees an opportunity to engage with video art history and contemporary expressions.
Moreover, at the Redline Contemporary Art Center from July 11 to August 3, “Mutual Terrain” presents unique works, with the reception on July 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The festival encourages participation in its varied offerings, including “Free Hors d’oeuvres,” a video game exhibition at Rainbow Dome from July 18 to 26, set to engage gamers and artists alike.
The Month of Video festival symbolizes a pivotal moment in Denver’s cultural calendar, uniting artists and audiences in a shared exploration of video art.
With its diverse programming and community-focused approach, the festival highlights the vital role of video in storytelling and artistic expression.
image source from：denverite
