Transcending functionality within objects and their interactions. Within Digital Jigsaws, falling into place, approaches to narratives, design, and interaction offer viewers moments of transformation through their own choices — harnessing technical considerations as well as humor (at times the absurd). Through logic and whimsy, their technical foundations marry technology and play to shape the outcome of the artworks.
MFA Computer Arts (MFACA) at the School of Visual Arts emphasizes creative experimentation and a multidisciplinary approach to making art with computers and emerging technologies. Rooted in everyday subjects, the works in Digital Jigsaws, falling into place alter recognizable objects with interactive software to engage visitors and be shaped by their perspectives. Personal artistic styles translate as tools that explore and reconstruct utility items through humor, optimism and choice.
MFACA showcases two of their most recent experimental artworks in this exhibit, which invite the audience to playful experiences. These creative systems of play promote interactions to warp and shape-shift everyday household items — as well as present a moment to walk with or dance with a projected “companion”.
The exhibited works prompt a discourse of optimism through altered perspectives, verging on the absurd. The interfaces change the subjects of the artworks and our perception of them within tailored systems, as their existential pieces fall into place. Only through user interaction do they become complete.
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Crab
Kristie Kish (US/HU/PH)
Crab is a multimedia installation that blurs the lines between realities, technologies and species. An immersive collage-jungle-projection where a friendly, interactive crab follows those passing by, constantly searching for their proverbial inner ocean.
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Functionless
Wenyi Zhang (CN), Andres Salazar (CO/US)
An interactive 3D tool exploring how surreal household items can become when we imagine their form apart from their function. The main element of this installation is the connection between the customized software and the analog controller that enables users to craft their own designs.
School of Visual Arts, MFA Computer Arts (US)
The MFA Computer Arts program at the School of Visual Arts emphasizes creative experimentation and a multidisciplinary approach to making art with computers and emerging technologies. Dedicated to producing digital artists of the highest caliber, the department guides each student in the development of a personal artistic style in a course of study tailored to meet their needs. Students come from around the world to study in a two-year degree program, which has distinguished itself with nine Student Academy Awards.