This project was part of Ars Electronica’s ambitious 80+1 project. It formed part of the Linz 2009 European Capital of Culture Year, and was sponsored by Voestalpina and Linz 09.
Details about the 80+1 project
80+1 website
Artist: Shahjahan Siraj [Bangladesh]
Assistance: Jahangir Alam, Raihath Sohel, Farhad Hossain, Kamrul Hasan, Junaed Shahriar, Matsuzaki Misuzu [Bangladesh]
Topic: Markets
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
By overcoming the limits of space and time, Dhaka marketplaces will now be connected with Linz. In this way, viewers will get the virtual experiences as a member of the global family by getting a taste of the Dhaka lifestyle. The diversity of the Dhakai (”from Dhaka”) marketplaces are shown, including unique local products, cultural practices and the local lifestyle. The project will concentrate on markets based on goods and popularity — ranging from traditional markets of basic necessities including fish, vegetables, rice and clothes to others including computers, and even prostitutes. Each day, one market will be webcast as a live bit. Each of the 81 days we will receive live video from different markets in Dhaka. By the end of the 81 days, we will compile an 81 minute film comprised of video from these markets.