Dallas, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Southern Methodist University will hold a film discussion featuring Wu Tsang’s video artwork ‘Girl Talk’. The event, led by Bradley Petty, provides a platform for attendees to engage in a 30-minute moderated conversation about the film’s themes of conversation and intimacy, as well as its technical choices, such as being shot entirely on an iPhone. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts during the session scheduled for September 5.
Dallas — Southern Methodist University will host a focused film discussion on Friday, September 5, from noon to 12:30 p.m., centered on the video art piece Girl Talk by artist Wu Tsang. The 30-minute session will be led by Bradley Petty, the SMU Summer Intern for Contemporary Art, and is organized through the university’s contemporary art program. Attendees are invited to join the conversation and share observations; comments will be moderated to ensure adherence to community guidelines.
Key details
The event is scheduled for a half-hour midday slot designed to present a concise viewing and discussion of Girl Talk. The moderator for the discussion is identified as Bradley Petty, serving in the role of SMU Summer Intern for Contemporary Art. The session aims to explore the film’s artistic approach, narrative focus, and formal choices, emphasizing conversation and audience engagement within a brief time frame.
About the film and format
Girl Talk is a short video art work by Wu Tsang that was shot entirely on an iPhone. The piece captures the tension of a fleeting encounter in a crowded room and presents a poetic glimpse into themes of conversation, connection, and ambient intimacy. The discussion format at SMU will center on close viewing and group reflection, offering attendees the opportunity to consider how the film’s technical choices and compositional strategies contribute to its themes.
What attendees can expect
- Brief screening or excerpt viewing of Girl Talk (time permitting within the 30-minute segment).
- Structured discussion led by Bradley Petty, focused on the film’s form, subject matter, and uses of mobile filmmaking.
- Participant sharing and moderated commentary to maintain a respectful, guideline-aligned conversation.
Supporting context
The event is part of SMU’s contemporary art program activities, which present short-format talks and discussions to encourage critical engagement with moving-image work. The use of a smartphone as the film’s capture device highlights a trend in contemporary video practice where mobile technologies are leveraged for creative expression and intimacy in framing. In this case, the iPhone-based production contributes to the film’s immediate, handheld feeling, reinforcing the fleeting and close-up nature of the encounter depicted.
Artistic themes and significance
At the core of Girl Talk are themes of conversation and connection set against ambient surroundings. The film uses spatial dynamics and brief interpersonal exchange to examine how intimacy can arise and dissipate within crowded environments. The short-form structure and the decision to shoot on a phone can be read as deliberate formal choices that foreground immediacy and proximity rather than extended narrative development.
Logistics and participation
Attendees are encouraged to participate in the discussion and to share their observations, keeping contributions concise to allow multiple voices within the limited time. Moderation will be applied to comments and discussions to ensure that the event remains consistent with community standards and expectations for respectful dialogue. The announcement indicates an open invitation to join the conversation but does not list specific registration requirements; interested participants may consult SMU’s contemporary art program resources for additional access information.
Background on the organizer and setting
The session is presented through the contemporary art program at Southern Methodist University, which schedules talks, viewings, and discussions intended to engage students, faculty, and the public with contemporary visual and moving-image practices. The program’s inclusion of a short, focused event like this reflects an educational emphasis on close-looking and critical response within compact timeframes.
What this event offers
In 30 minutes, the discussion offers a compact opportunity to examine the intersection of technique and theme in a contemporary short film, to consider the implications of mobile-device filmmaking, and to engage in moderated public conversation about artistic practice. The format supports quick, thoughtful exchanges rather than extended lectures, making it accessible for midday participation.
FAQ
What is the event?
The event is a short film discussion at SMU focused on Wu Tsang’s video art piece Girl Talk, led by Bradley Petty.
When and where is it happening?
It will take place on Friday, September 5, from noon to 12:30 p.m. at Southern Methodist University as part of the contemporary art program’s schedule.
Who is leading the discussion?
The discussion will be led by Bradley Petty, the SMU Summer Intern for Contemporary Art.
What will be discussed?
The session will explore the film’s formal choices, themes of conversation and connection, and the implications of shooting the piece on an iPhone.
How long is the event?
The event is 30 minutes long.
Can anyone attend and participate?
Attendees are encouraged to join and share thoughts. Comments will be moderated to ensure compliance with community guidelines.
Is there a cost or registration requirement listed?
The event description does not specify a cost or registration requirement; individuals seeking access details can consult SMU’s contemporary art program for any additional instructions.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, September 5 |
| Time | Noon – 12:30 p.m. (30 minutes) |
| Location | Southern Methodist University (contemporary art program) |
| Moderator | Bradley Petty, SMU Summer Intern for Contemporary Art |
| Work discussed | Girl Talk by Wu Tsang |
| Technical note | Film shot entirely on an iPhone |
| Main themes | Conversation, connection, ambient intimacy, fleeting encounter |
| Participation | Attendee contributions encouraged; comments moderated |
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Additional Resources
- Dallas News: SMU presenting discussion on Wu Tsang’s Girl Talk
- Wikipedia: Video art
- Dallas Observer: Discussion on Girl Talk at SMU
- Google Search: Wu Tsang
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wu Tsang
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