SMSlingshot

SMSlingshot (2009)

Christian Zöllner, Patrick Tobias Fischer, Thilo Hoffmann, and Sebastian Piatza of VR/Urban (Germany, est. 2008)

High frequency radio, Arduino board, laser, batteries, plywood, and ash wood

14 3/16 x 8 5/16 x 1 5/8″ (36 x 21 x 4 cm)

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Ever since I posted about Mark Jenkins, I’ve really been digging street art / public art / interactive type pieces. At the same time, after shipping out two of my pieces from last semester to the LAL Scripts and Systems show, I’ve been revisiting some of the ideas surrounding the digitization of art and the incorporation of modern technology.

The project SMSlingshot incorporates all of these things and creates a sort of digital graffiti by creating a virtual splatter paint slingshot. The device takes the form of a traditional wooden slingshot (albeit beefed up in size) and hybridizes it with an embedded faux cell phone device. The user can type in text messages and then shoot them onto large surfaces (such as the walls of buildings), where the text shows up in a splash of color. The text is also tweeted at the same time.

As stated on moma.org, “The SMSlingshot marries the traditional weapon with digital technology, splattering information onto facades and other surfaces that then serve as public screens… The device fuses a prehistoric tool, vibrant urban art, and innovative technology into a product that encourages interaction, information, and empowerment in the city.”

Though the digital splatter paint is not fully realistic and definitely still pixelated – I’m not sure if this is on purpose or not – the concept of this project is a unique fusion of several other arenas of art, while simultaneously incorporating the technology most of us already use everyday (texting, Twitter). This perfectly fits the inherent casual nature of a slingshot, but is updated to fit the norms of 2012. Kids are not slinging rocks anymore (or not as often at least) but rather texting on their cell phones from the age of 10, and this project fully adapts to that fact. This project is also perhaps not considered as “high art” and is more temporary with an uncharacteristic type of media, just like graffiti, but it’s fun and original and that is good enough for me.

I’m hoping SMSlingshot circulates around the world and eventually makes it’s way to Rochester, NY.

nyt r&d: reveal [smart mirror]

The NYT R&D Reveal mirror ties more into the work I was doing last semester dealing with digital data and the interaction between humans and technology – the work that I’ve abruptly stopped this semester for reasons still not fully understood – but it’s too cool not to share… even if it’s not technically an art project and even if it’s not relevant to my current work.

 

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The New York Times R&D Lab is working on a project they call Reveal, which is basically a smart mirror with the ability to project things you typically receive on your smartphone or laptop on a large mirrored screen. It looks like a huge mirror you’d typically have in your bathroom, but the special semi-reflective glass surface overlays your reflection with real-time graphics such as news feeds, a calendar, the weather, and health stats. They call this “augmented reality” and the various features are designed to be personalized to your specific interests and needs. They’re also voice-activated so you can still do your hair or shave or put on makeup while hands-free commanding the screen on the mirror to change to show the information you want.

 

 

 

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I really want one of these. Or at least just test one out. And maybe this is just me being a pre-med nerd, but I’m probably the most interested in the health stats part of the mirror, where it can take your temperature, track your sleep patterns, and who knows what else. I almost think of it like a radically updated mood ring or sorts (but one that is actually accurate rather than changing color in response to your body heat).

I’m not sure how practical having ALL of these components really is, but I’m definitely down with the weather and news headlines features. They’ve probably also already integrated this and I just missed it, but having your email inbox pop up would be super useful too. I’m a self-proclaimed email addict between my laptop and Blackberry and check it first thing in the morning every day. To have it come up on a mirror when I’m putting in my contacts would be really great. That, or I’m just too lazy to start up my laptop and open a browser.

As much as I love the idea of Reveal, I’m not sure if I’m 100% on board – it might be closer to 98.9%. I feel like we’re already constantly so connected that brushing your teeth or getting ready for something in front of the mirror are some of the only times you’re not checking your cell phone or staring at a screen. This sentiment isn’t strong enough to not still want a smart mirror, but Reveal is just a touch excessive to me. In today’s world though, that’s not surprising at all.

If I had continued my Craigslist Missed Connections work from last semester, I could have seen my art take a turn towards this digitized, hi-tech, video/sound/interactive realm of art. The professors last semester were all really helpful in giving me ideas, such as using augmented reality phone apps or projects or sound to accompany my post-its or faux metrocard system but instead, of course, I’ve decided to just go back to pencil and paper. Not sure if this is considered growth/branching out or regression, but I guess I’ll find out once my exhibition goes up.

sneezing bus stop

This is a really great and super creative advertisement for Vancouver’s Science World.

Sneezing Bus Stop, Rethink (Canada, est. 1999), 2007.

Vinyl, battery, proximity sensor, MP3 player, digital timer, audio amplifier, audio driver, and lawn-sprinkler spray head

6′ x 48″

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This advertisement is aesthetically very simple and as ordinary as its location of a bus stop, cleverly fitting in with its environment. There is just one large orange circle, a Science World logo, and a button labeled “Press here and we’ll explain.” Upon pushing the button, the viewer is sprayed with water at face level and a recorded voice reads an interesting fact about sneezing, encouraging the viewer to visit Science World to learn more.

Though not necessarily a work of art by a particular artist, this campaign is certainly artistic in design and execution, and definitely a unique form of advertisement. It is bold and simple, and perfectly mirrors the fun and interactive nature of the place it’s advertising. The orange circle may seem unassuming but it’s simplicity is almost what draws the viewer in. Coupled with the single button, interaction is a one-step clear-cut motion. Innate to the project is also a sense of humor, something that again reflects the mood of Science World and offers the viewer a preview of the museum.

The best thing is that the advertisement is not over-thought or flashy, even though Science World itself is full of gizmos and gadgets of all colors, shapes, and sizes. As the adage says, sometimes less is more, and this project exemplifies that concept. It engages multiple senses of the viewer (touch, sound, hearing, taste if the water’s spritzed into your mouth!), which can help elevate any type of artwork.

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more info: http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2011/talktome/objects/146208/

marcel the shell with shoes on

This is one of the cutest things I have ever seen in my life.

This one too.

Directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp, Voiced by Jenny Slate

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“My one regret in life is that I’ll never have a dog. But sometimes I tie a hair to a piece of lint and I drag it around.”

“I’m afraid to drink soda because I’m afraid the bubbles will make me float up onto the ceiling.”

“Guess what I do for adventure? I hang glide on a Dorito.”

My favorite: “Guess why I smile a lot.” “Why?” “Uh, ’cause it’s worth it.”