The Skybridge Art & Sound Space is pleased to announce its newest installation, Artifix Mori, now on view through January 31, 2012, by John Ensor Parker and Jason Krugman, visiting artists in the Visual Arts program at Eugene Lang College.
Using a combination of silkworm cocoons and LED lights, Parker and Krugman have created an interactive installation that runs the length of the Skybridge Art & Sound Space. It combines the natural silk cocoons of the Bombyx Mori−the species of silkworm we use for commercial silk production−with mechanical elements that reanimate the lifeless cocoons. This draws attention to the silk harvesting process and invites the viewer to question human intervention in the natural world. This exhibit addresses the relationship between art and science, a prevalent theme in both artists’ work.
The exhibition focuses primarily on Parker and Krugman’s study of mass silk production and how it represents society’s reproduction and imitation of nature through technology. The artists essentially reanimate the lifeless silk cocoons that are activated as the viewer walks through the space. The cocoons are suspended from actuators, which convert electricity into mechanical movement. These actuators make a soft clicking noise, reminiscent of the sound the worms themselves make. This sound is also the basis for the accompanying score.
By using rudimentary technology, Parker and Krugman draw attention to the mechanics rather than attempting to disguise them. Through these mechanical devices, the visitors literally move the cocoons, and in turn find themselves being moved by the art itself. In a conversation with the artists, they discussed the interactive aspect of the exhibition in relation to its content. “In choosing the materials and subject-matter for this show, we sought to incorporate a modular design that is activated by the physical presence of the audience in attempt to imbue the work with an aspect of sentience and responsiveness. Bombyx Mori silk worms create cocoons as part of developed mechanism of self-preservation. By combining the Bombyx Mori with industrial electronics and actuators, we are re-animating these creatures, in effect, bringing them back to life while also taking advantage of them for their aesthetic beauty, and perpetuating our ongoing relationship with nature.”
John Ensor Parker is a painter, video and new media artist whose work draws upon both analytical and primitive processes. Inherent in his work is a holistic balance of both science and art. He studied physics and mathematics and worked as a mechanical engineer. In addition to gallery exhibitions, his work includes large-scale public art works such as “To the People of Orlando” a permanent public artwork spanning a city block in Orlando Florida, a 30,000 square foot video mapping project on the Manhattan Bridge, and projections on the façade of the New Museum. Currently he is a visiting artist at Eugene Lang College and instructs a course on new media art.
Jason Krugman is an artist and designer specializing in electronic media and physical interaction design. Born in 1983, Krugman has a degree in Economics from Tufts University and a Master in Interactive Telecommunication from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Krugman uses light as his primary medium, building sculptures that respond to their audiences and environments.
Thea Sass-Ainsworth
November 4, 2011
It’s interesting to have seen Artifix Mori develop from its initial stages, to seeing it up in the Skybridge. From the get-go I was intrigued by the concepts behind the piece, and was interested to see how they would manifest into the final product. It was great working more behind the scenes for the exhibition, and seeing the work become a completed, polished piece. I think the way Artifix Mori is presented visually is perfect for the Skybridge space, and makes the walk between the two buildings for any random passersby stimulating and engaging. The use of light and sound combined with simple mechanics and wiring makes the largely conceptual idea on the artists’ views on silk production come to life. Any Lang student, or really anyone interested in silk or science-y art should really check out this exhibition. I would highly recommend it.
Willow Westwood
November 4, 2011
Now that it’s finally up, this instillation is truly amazing. As a visitor, walking through the space and being surrounded by bouncing and clicking noises can be quite shocking at first, but as you realize you are controlling the movement, it gets quite interesting and engaging. The space is also very peaceful once you get over the shock of the actuators, providing an unexpected calmness in the middle of rushing about the building. I would encourage everyone–New School-affiliated or not–to come and visit.
Hannah Rinehart
November 4, 2011
Artifix Mori is truly a compelling exhibit. The sound and movement of the actuators force passersby to acknowledge the exhibit, which is quite unusual for something at the Skybridge, which normally acts as a simply passageway. By forcing visitors to engage with the space, Artifix Mori awakens viewers and reminds them how necessary it is to be aware of one’s surroundings. On the surface, the exhibit could simply seem fun and cool, but once one truly investigates the exhibit, they realize the complexities that lie behind the lights and actuators, and they are invited to question the morality of the silk industry.
Samantha Whitehurst
November 4, 2011
Artifix Mori is a unique and intriguing exhibit to behold. As you walk into the space, little balls of white light begin to move and click. Upon closer inspection, you will notice the devices on the walls, and that the small balls of light are actually silk cocoons. Though confusing and even startling when first faced with the myriad of sounds, lights, and wobbling cocoons, it takes on a new meaning once one begins to comprehend what is really going on. These devices are re-animating a lifeless creature, in an almost Frankenstinian creation. The unique way John and Jason have combined technology and nature to inspire thought and conversation, while still maintaining a simple and beautiful aesthetic is quite wonderful. The information given to the viewer is just enough to create a dialogue about the ways in which humanity use nature, and to pose the question if this usage is right or wrong.
Karsyn deGast
November 7, 2011
The finished product of Artifix Mori is even better than I ever imagined. The exhibit aims to rejuvenate silk worms with the use of light, movement, and sound. But the cocoon-like environment of the all-white, window-covered skybridge adds even more to the experience. The texture and brightness of each cocoon is unique. The sound is activated by the movement of visitors; it is both unpredictable and soothing. The plain wall is not stark, but rather only improves the organic look of the curved, bouncing wires (resembling silk strands themselves). At the end of the walkway, visitors are given fascinating information both on a wall panel and video presentation. The cocoons are not only beautiful, but have many important uses, in science and fashion industries alike.
Holly Do
December 5, 2011
After several weeks of preparing for the show, it is satisfying to see the complete product of Artifix Mori. The exhibit turn out to be one of the best show I have seen in a while. Even though the show was partially created and run by students, the finish product came off looking extremely polish and professional. By combining elements of nature and technology, John and Jason was able to create a harmonious fusion between two opposite forces. In using materials as simple as LED lights and silk worm cocoons, they introduces to the viewers new perspectives on both matters and new posibilities for future exhibition. It was only through this project that I was able to learn more about the silk worm and its usage in common life, not only through fashion but also engineering. I thinks the audiences will find the show to be most interesting because of its interactive element. By installing active motion sensors on the wall panel and attach each sensor with a LED cocoon, John and Jason gave the visitors a chance to fully the experience the exhibit to its fullest potential. As the guests walk by each installation, the motion sensor will detect their movements and light up the cocoons. With each time the sensor goes off, a clicking sound is made by the sensor tugging on the string, incorporating sound element to the show. In this exhibition, the viewers are required to utilize a majority of the senses to fully comprehend its message. In using various different mediums within the show, John and Jason have really capture the aesthetic beauty of the silk worm cocoons as an organic element in a synthetic surrouding.