Reptile Cafe

Reptile Café is a project that uses reptilian behavioural symbols and virtual beverage branding to discuss our behavioural patterns under the soothing influence of beverage culture. In the Triune Brain theory, the primitive brain is the most central brain area. Its level of evolution is also found in lizards, and is often referred to as the “reptilian brain”. It serves to maintain the basic body functions. Nowadays the fancy drinks industry is popular. Our instincts crave this supply of instantaneous taste experiences. The reflex system for this pleasure is run by none other than the reptilian brain. In the animation, the field narration is a set of experience through the drinking space, mapping our behavioural patterns brought about by the domination of instinct. It is hoped that after immersion, the caffeine-washed reptilian brain will still allow us to contemplate the possibility of observing this system outside of it.

Annan Shao
Annan Shao (b.1998) is a new media artist. Through the creation of virtual ecology and mixed-media field narratives, she explores the motivational evolution of inorganic life and the origins of social construction in a futuristic context. Combining the media of 3D animation and mixed media installations, she maps the inner laws of civilisation development with the allegorical hypothetical temporal events. She graduated from the China Academy of Art with a Bachelor’s degree in visual communication and a Master’s degree in fine art from Chelsea College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London. Her works have been exhibited at Guangdong Contemporary Art Centre, Tank Shanghai, Zabludowicz Collection (London), etc. In 2024, she won the Nescience or the State of not Knowing international digital art call curated by mmmad art festival. She is currently active as an artist and designer on international platforms.