EXTRA CREDIT Event 5: delete me

I attended delete me, a Design Media Arts exhibition. This gallery illustrates the idea of deletion, a reclaiming of space for new beginnings. There were many amazing pieces in this exhibition. Out of the numerous art pieces, I chose to interview Lander about his piece Knicker Twister.
Knicker Twister by Lander


The name behind the piece refers to the saying “to get your knickers in a twist”, meaning something turned dramatic when it shouldn’t (Lander). In other words, a situation swirls into a tornado, like a twister. The sculpture is surrounded by small objects, such as stuffed animals and boxes. Small objects on the piece symbolize small issues in life. The dolls are a source of comfort to help people solve their issues and get help. The boxes refer to life’s mysteries, since we never know what life will throw at us. Lander’s sculpture also incorporates the flow of water. Knicker Twister symbolizes the circulation of life. Water constantly flows throughout the structure to demonstrate the life cycle. It shows that life goes on no matter what obstacles stand in one’s way.

Picture of Knicker Twister 


I also noticed toilet paper stacked at the bottom of Knicker Twister. Lander added toilet paper because he thought it was “silly to have it in a huge sculpture. It is meaningless but left to the audience’s interpretation” (Lander). I see it as the measure it takes to work out life’s issues. Toilet paper is used to clean up after oneself, or in this case, small issues in life as represented in Lander’s art.

Human element in video installation

There are video installments around the sculpture; the videos project the elements of human form. This indicates that this applies to everyone. It allows the audience to feel connected with the art since it relates to the problems everyone faces. In The Work of Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction, Douglas Davis explains the lack of authenticity in digitalization (Davis). However, Lander was able to use technology to help the audience grasp his concept.

The sculpture uses different lighting and continuously rotates to give viewers a 360 degree view. The rotation and lighting contribute to making the art piece more defined. Using electricity and lights draws attention. These techniques create some” kind of a hypnotic effect and it would become on its own engaging the machine and the performer” (Robotics Pt3).

From lecture we learned that people have “been fascinated with automation with replication and with aesthetic of robotic action” (Robotics MachikoKusahara 1). We see that in our technological era, we are becoming more automated, such as shopping for groceries where we can order online and have groceries delivered to our doors. Knicker Twister showcases the automation through the movement of the sculpture.

I would recommend this gallery to others because it not only gives insight to the meaning of digitalization, but it relates to our everyday life. This is a true aspect of the third culture. By using technology in art, we grow to have “deeper meanings of our lives, redefining who and what we are” because we get to learn so much more (Graham-Rowe).

Me with Lander


References
Graham-Rowe, Duncan. "John Brockman: Matchmaking with Science and Art." WIRED UK. WIRED UK, 3 Feb. 2011. Web. 09 June 2017.
" Lander Interview." Personal interview. 18 May 2017.
Davis, Douglas. "The Work of Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction (An Evolving Thesis: 1991-1995)." JSTOR. The MIT Press, 1995. Web. 07 June 2017.
Uconlineprogram. "Robotics MachikoKusahara 1." YouTube. YouTube, 14 Apr. 2012. Web. 07 June 2017.
Uconlineprogram. "Robotics Pt3." YouTube. YouTube, 16 Apr. 2012. Web. 07 June 2017.

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