Tagged: Art

First Word vs. Last Word

First word art is what we think of as ‘unexplored territory’; anything new that has never been seen before can be first word art. for example, modern art especially is constantly searching for uncharted territory that their art can explore and express to the world. Movements such as minimalism was sparked, in part, by this need to create something new and unseen. In contrast, last word art refers to art that focuses on improving upon or exploring an idea or form that already exists. I myself am interested in first word art. however, I feel that much more of what I actually delve into in my own art is last word art. I enjoy trying to explore concepts in order to understand them better myself and hopefully look at them from new and interesting angles. I feel that this is similar to why Schulze prefers to work in the “Trough of Disillusionment”; because these things, which have already been created, my be using technology which, if approached differently, can inspire greater inventions, art, and more. In additions, these forgotten technology are much more cheaper than others so in a sense you get more for less.

Wooden Mirrors

When I went to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh last week, I saw a version of the wooden mirror by Daniel Rozin and was blown away by how artist engages the viewers. It’s just like standing in front of a mirror, but the mechanism behind it is so unique that you can’t help but keep playing in front of it and listening to the wooden sounds. Basically, when a viewer stands in front of one, his/her image is recorded by a camera, which is then sent to a computer. The computer directs motors to rotate each wooden square to appear darker or lighter depending on the shade of its corresponding pixel. I really think Rozin nailed the purpose of interactive art in the way the viewers become integrated into the piece itself.

Also, Rozin has mechanical mirrors made from other non-reflective materials like rust, trash, or pegs. I think his projects really blur the line between natural media and digital concepts. I can also imagine this project on much larger scales to convey the prevalence of pixels in our world nowadays.

Here is a link to his website: Daniel Rozin – Interactive Artist
And here is a video on Youtube: