Machined Senses: Ephemeral Exoskeletons and a Moody, Mechanical Minotaur at The Sculpture Center

Multi-sensory technology takes over The Sculpture Center this fall. Margarita Benitez and Markus Vogl (//benitez_vogl) of Kent State University and the University of Akron explore the mediation of information in our lives, creating interactive works with materials ranging from wearables to sound, video, and light. {skin} D.E.E.P. – Digital Ephemeral Epidermal Patterns will be revealed as a 3-D imaging “jewelry” that ephemerally adorns our skin with biomimetic patterns. These 3D-printed exoskeletons could be read as counterbalances to the permanence of tattoos or the predominant current norm of the acquisition of things.

While //benitez_vogl gives us ephemeral exoskeletons, Polish sculptor Przemyslaw Jasielski assumes a Dr. Frankenstein-type role in his creation of a Minotaur who will sojourn at The Sculpture Center. Don’t be scared. Jasielsky, with computer engineers, has not birthed a monster, but rather a moody Minotaur to help explore human attitudes towards technology. Like most of us, the analog-ish Minotaur experiences mood swings (measured through meters), but he usually maintains self-control of his neurobehavioral model of emotion. Jasielsky’s works are inspired in part by the fascination with utopian visions of a machine-dominated world.

In mid-January the W2S Series for Emerging Artists begins with R. Eric McMaster’s new work focusing on the gap between potential and fulfillment and Julius Lyles: Welcome to the Watermelon Patch, a site-specific installation dealing with race and the word “black.”