Event Blog #1: Color, Light, Motion

Bill Vorn's "Hysterical Machines"

 I attended the Zoom event titled "Color, Light, Motion," in which Ryszard Kluszczynsk gave a presentation on cybernetic art and the work of Wen-Ying Tsai. I was very interested to learn the distinctions between cybernetic art and robotic art, specifically how cybernetic art is unique in its emphasis on feedback. Like robotic art, cybernetics lies at the intersection of art, science and technology, but it differs in its inclusion of sound synthesis. The concept of sound and vibrations creating shapes and movement in art is very interesting to me, especially the way that some of the cybernetic art pieces involve audience/viewer involvement. This could help generate some interesting ideas for my midterm/final project, since I am interested in "user" experience. 

An illuminating quote from Tsai featured in the Zoom presentation

I was surprised to learn that Tsai is not as widely cited by others in the field of cybernetics, especially as he pioneered cybernetic art. I particularly liked Tsai's "Harmonic Sculpture #10," a piece in which stainless steel and cement strobes vibrate with the assistance of a sound modulator, and respond to feedback, such as a viewer clapping their hands. These sounds alter the vibration pattern and cause the cup-shaped structures at the top of the rods to move in different directions and create various shapes with the light that shines through them. These structures reminded me of tulips or poppies, with their cup-like shape. It is possible this was intentional as Kluszczynsk mentioned that Tsai was greatly inspired by nature! 

Tsai's "Harmonic Sculpture #10"

Tsai's approach of nature-inspired, audience-focused cybernetic art seems like the perfect representation of many of the course themes we have encountered thus far. This interdisciplinary approach has inspired many other artists after him, including his son London, who we were privileged to hear from in the meeting as well! It was interesting to hear how he pursues art and continues his father's legacy while also exploring ideas that are entirely his own. I would definitely recommend this presentation to my fellow students, especially those interested in the intersections between light and movement. 

References

1.  Tsai Art and Science Foundation, 15 Jan. 2014, tsaifoundation.org/art.

2. Coelho, Antonio. “Cybernetics in Art— a Brief Overview.” Medium, 4 Aug. 2022, medium.com/@AntonioJSCoelho/cybernetics-in-art-a-brief-overview-150c7ec36635.

3. “HARMONIC SCULPTURE #10.” David Bermant Foundation, davidbermantfoundation.org/project/harmonic-sculpture-10/. 

Images 

1. Vorn, Bill. “Bill Vorn Hysterical Machines.” Billvorn.concordia.ca,

         billvorn.concordia.ca/robography/Hysterical.html. 

2.  "Silent Vibrations and Echoes," Zoom Meeting.

3. “HARMONIC SCULPTURE #10.” David Bermant Foundation,

         davidbermantfoundation.org/project/harmonic-sculpture-10/. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.