Checking in at ‘SmARTspace’: the intersection of art and technology Exhibit features four leading West Coast technology artists, honors memory of Prof. Stephen Wilson SAN FRANCISCO, January 26, 2012 — Using computer programs and software similar to a painter’s brush, four of the West Coast’s most distinguished new-media artists are featured in a new exhibition at San Francisco State University’s Fine Arts Gallery. Works by Jim Campbell, Maggie Orth, Alan Rath and Gail Wight are highlighted in “SmARTspace at the Intersection of Art and Technology,” a show conceived by the late SF State Professor Stephen Wilson, a prolific artist in the field and among the first to chronicle those who successfully bridged art, science and technology. “SmARTspace” is on display Feb. 21 – March 15. Admission is free to the exhibit and all related events. As part of the opening, Pamela Z will perform solo works for voice, electronics and video Feb. 21 at 5 p.m. in Knuth Hall. Meanwhile, a robotic hand by SF State Lecturer Kal Spelletich will greet visitors to the opening reception. Interactive by nature, “SmARTspace” includes motion-activated sculpture and walk-through “environments,” in addition to performance events, a panel discussion and two student off-campus exhibits. Campbell’s “Tilted Plane” makes its Bay Area debut and introduces a “walk-through” element to Campbell’s signature 2-D imagery. This large installation of 200 flickering light bulbs was recently purchased by the Whitney Museum in New York. Motion sensors activate Wight’s “Center of Gravity” into a powerful ecological statement, as poles suspended from the ceiling begin to make sounds of nature and photographs of fragile environments emerge in light. Rath has two works in the exhibit, “Monocle V” and “Handful,” with heat-seeking sensors and eyes that follow the viewer. Both installations utilize Rath’s sophisticated programming skills and trademark, often-humorous investigation into relationships between humans and technology. Orth’s woven “100 Electronic Art Years” is a colorful arrangement of textile and electronics that changes hue and pattern before the eyes of the viewer. “The majority of these artists are trained as scientists or engineers, which allows them to get deep into the processes down to the nuts-and-bolts level,” said Professor Mark Johnson, director of the Fine Arts Gallery. “Their works are meditative, contemplative and peaceful. With the exception of one piece, you won’t even be conscious of the technology involved in the making of the art.” Wilson conceived “SmARTspace” and proposed the exhibition to the Fine Arts Gallery several years ago, based on artists featured in his books “Art and Science Now” (Thames and Hudson, 2010) and “Information Arts: Intersections of Art, Science and Technology” (The MIT Press, 2003). A governing board member of Leonardo/The International Society for the Arts, Sciences and Technology for decades, he was widely respected for his innovative drive and intellectual curiosity. Wilson’s books will be available for exhibit visitors to browse in a special reading room inside the gallery. Paula Levine, a professor in the Conceptual and Information Arts program, worked closely with Wilson for many years. “Steve was instrumental in helping shape the field since the early 1980s, when the Bay Area art, science and technology community began to coalesce,” Levine said. “Then and now are two different worlds. The root has gone deep and become quite diverse, with interdisciplinary art programs and research labs worldwide.” Levine, Johnson and Sharon Bliss have organized the exhibition with assistance of students from SF State’s Art Department. The exhibition celebrates the legacy of Wilson’s work as a teacher, artist, writer and thinker while commemorating the one-year anniversary of his death. Panels and partner exhibits A panel discussion titled “Then and Now: Circa 1980–2012+” will take place at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 29. Wight, Ken Goldberg, Meredith Tromble and Roger Malina will participate. Two exhibits showcasing work of students and recent alumni from SF State’s Conceptual and Information Arts program will be held off campus. The Lab will host “Head of the Table,” featuring works by graduate students and recent alumni Feb. 3 – 25, curated by Michael Ryan and Sean Bennett. “Smart Space II” will feature art byundergraduates and recent alumni March 2 – 3 at Root Division, curated by Cassandra Sechler and Aaron Grobler. Both galleries are in San Francisco’s Mission District. Hours, Location and Parking The Fine Arts Gallery is open Wednesdays–Saturdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The gallery is located in the Fine Arts Building on the SF State campus, 1600 Holloway Ave. (at 19th Ave.), San Francisco. Public parking is available in Lot 20, accessed from Lake Merced Boulevard between Winston Drive and Font Boulevard. On weekends and evenings only, public parking is available in Lots 1 and 2, on Holloway Ave. (at 19th Ave.). Parking is $3 per hour with a $6 daily maximum. Nearby street parking is readily available on weekends. For details, visit www.sfsu.edu/~parking. Calendar Editors, Please Note: SmARTspace at the Intersection of Art and Technology Tuesday, Feb. 21 – Thursday, March 15 Fine Arts Gallery, Fine Arts Building, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave. (at 19th Ave.), San Francisco, CA 94132 Admission: Free Gallery hours: Wednesdays – Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Opening: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 4 – 6 p.m. Information: 415/338-6535, http://creativearts.sfsu.edu/node/3345 For more than 30 years, Professor Stephen Wilson was widely respected at SF State and beyond for his innovative drive and intellectual curiosity, as it pertained to art and technology. To pay homage to his work and legacy, the Fine Arts Gallery presents an exhibit that builds on Professor Wilson’s ideas and writings and includes diverse works by several well-known West Coast artists. He died in January 2011. This interactive exhibit includes motion-activated sculpture, walk-through “environments,” performance events, a panel discussion and more. “SmARTspace” features work by four pre-eminent West Coast artists who work at the interface of art and technology: Jim Campbell, Maggie Orth, Alan Rath and Gail Wight. Wilson proposed “SmARTspace” based on artists featured in his books “Art and Science Now” (Thames and Hudson, 2010) and “Information Arts: Intersections of Art, Science and Technology” (The MIT Press, 2003). Conceived by Wilson, the exhibit is organized by Paula Levine, Mark Johnson and Sharon Bliss with the assistance of students from SF State’s Art Department. The exhibition celebrates the legacy of Steve Wilson’s work as a teacher, artist, writer and thinker while commemorating the one-year anniversary of his death. Related events Exhibition Head of the Table Friday, Feb. 3 – Saturday, Feb. 25 The Lab, 2948 16th St. (at Capp St.), San Francisco Admission: Free Gallery hours: Thursdays – Saturdays, 1 – 6 p.m. Opening reception: Friday, Feb. 3, 7 – 10 p.m. Information: 415/338-6535, http://creativearts.sfsu.edu/node/3345 Graduate students and recent alumni of SF State’s Conceptual and Information Arts Program display works. Curated by Michael Ryan and Sean Bennett. Performance Pamela Z Tuesday, Feb. 21, 5 p.m. Knuth Hall, Creative Arts Building, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave. (at 19th Ave.), San Francisco, CA 94132 Admission: Free Information: 415/338-6535, http://creativearts.sfsu.edu/node/3345 Pamela Z is a composer/performer and media artist who makes solo works combining a wide range of vocal techniques with electronic processing, samples, gesture-activated MIDI controllers and video. She has toured extensively throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan. She has created installation works and composed scores for dance, film and new-music chamber ensembles. Presented by the SF State Poetry Center in association with the SF State Fine Arts Gallery and SF State Associated Students. Panel discussion Then and Now: Circa 1980–2012+ Wednesday, Feb. 29, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Room 193, Fine Arts Building, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave. (at 19th Ave.), San Francisco Admission: Free Information: 415/338-6535, http://creativearts.sfsu.edu/node/3345 Artists, scholars and educators—all involved in art, science and technology—address histories and changes taking place in the Bay Area from the early 1980s to the present. Panelists: Ken Goldberg, Meredith Tromble, Gail Wight and Roger Malina. (Malina will participate by videoconference.) Exhibition SmARTspace II Friday, March 2, 5 – 8 p.m. Saturday, March 3, 2 – 6 p.m. Root Division, 3175 17th St. (at South Van Ness Ave.), San Francisco Admission: Free Opening reception: Friday, March 2, 5 – 8 p.m. Information: 415/338-6535, http://creativearts.sfsu.edu/node/3345 Undergraduates and recent alumni of SF State’s Conceptual and Information Arts Program display works. Curated by Cassandra Sechler and Aaron Grobler.
IMAGES/INTERVIEWS: For images and to schedule interviews, contact Matt Itelson at 415/338-1442 ormatti@sfsu.edu.
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