ART to walk on, listen to, touch

In the art world, museums are trying to change the game by hiring new directors.  Jeffrey Deitch, a New York art dealer, has been hired to lead the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.  At the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York, they hired Bill Mosgridge, a design practitioner, industrial designer and businessman.  These museums are trying to shake things up.

The simple act of turning a developer owned condo into a gallery for one night is gaining popularity, bringing creative types into contact with those looking to buy a place.  Developers get foot traffic while artists get exposure.  In this age of empty storefronts, several owners and local communities are giving over space to artists, giving residents and visitors access to and engagement with culture and history.  Everyone agrees that this kind of activity is better than no activity.

In the Artworks seminar, we talk about projects that cross boundaries.  Computers and digitization are changing the way we look at art.  With flat screen TV's on the wall and digital frames on the shelf, everyone is getting used to imagery that shifts and changes.  Our eyes are adjusting to motion rather than status. 

Computer users can now sit at their desk and see the artwork that museums house.  People use their mice to create their own museum installation, pulling pieces into a virtual gallery.  What is the role of architecture to art when the art image is now accessible 24/7 any place where electronic data can be received?

Art engages the world around it and takes place in many different ways, at many different levels.  In the seminar, we discuss interactivity and art - artwork to be walked on, listened to, watched or touched.  Artwork can light a passageway or obstruct a common path of travel.  It is important not to limit your thoughts about art or to be discouraged that you won't find an artist who will meet the spirit of your project. 

There are artists who want to change the world and play a socially significant role.  There are artists who act as the anti-establishment figure or as engaged citizen.  Some artists view their role as outsider rebel or as guardian of society.  Some just want to encourage humor and comfort.  Some are business people, some are practitioners.  We all play a role in allowing new visions and passions to develop.  We owe it to ourselves to participate in these new practices.

One artist to watch is http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/villarealinfo.shtm">Leo Vallareal. Below is a video of his computer generated installation, Multiverse, now part of the permanent collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.