emiko-o reware

Friday, May 22–Day 3, 9am. Crafting Ecology by Neri Oxman

Material Ecology

Material Ecology

Probably the most fitting lecture to the theme of Revolution and the future of craft, was this lecture by Neri  Oxman, PhD candidate at MIT. In 2008 she exhibited extensive design research in Design and the Elastic Mind, commissioned by MoMA, NY. Her work in Material Computation, “Material Ecology” as she calls it,  investigates and pioneers how well-designed Form can optimize Performance. She lists 4 Movements of Craft Ecology:
Adaptive Components–how small parts affect the design of the whole; Adaptive Materials–capturing material behaviors via computers; Adaptive Form & Environment; Adaptive Material & Environment–what tools you use to build form.

She touched on Green Fabrication, finding a relationship between how badly industry treats material efficiency today, and how well nature knows how to optimize materials. Looking into how one material can be used to cater to multiple performances. Quoting Brian Eno, “The problem with computers is that there is not enough Africa in them.” Basically, a synergetic approach to achieving generative design; looking back to the source, to Nature.

Camille Paglia

11:30am, Art and Sex by Camille Paglia
By far the Most Entertaining of all the lectures was Art and Sex by scholar and culture critic, Camille Paglia. What a riot; imagine half a semester of Art History class in less than an hour, including personal quips and hilarious commentary. I did learn a few things that I missed the first time around in college, such as with Donatello’s David.

Donatello's David

Besides being a fruity looking guy, check out how the feather in the severed head’s helmut seems to caress David’s inner thigh, dangerously close to his parts…Can you see it? How about here:

In Ingres’ Grand Odalisk, not only is this woman of the harem a bit doped up on her hookah, but the exposed, perfect soles of her feet give rise to an unexpected erotism of feet. 

1:30pm, Anti/icono/clastic by Myra Mimlitsch-Gray
After an equally speedy lunch, we returned for an artist lecture by Myra Mimlitsch-Gray, who gave us a tour of her Arts/Industry residency at Kohler Co., working in the foundry to create utilitarian ware and abstract sculptures. Inspired by the movie, The Future of Food, and the regional culinary culture (Kohler is based in Wisconsin), Myra tweaked the familiar and created sculptures based on the genetic modification of food. We were lucky enough to see these works in person at the Wexler Gallery on Friday night. Here are a few images from that show.

Braut pans

Mitosis by Myra Mimlitsch-Gray

2:45pm, Notes: Postal Art & Musical Instruments by Bobby Hannson

Bobby Hannson

What started out as a curious project by Tim McCreight to collect artistic, custom envelopes that Bobby Hannson had sent to friends and family over the years, turned into a 13 minute DVD movie of Bobby’s art and musical instruments, featuring the eclectic, lovable character himself. We got a sneak peak at the film, and even were encouraged to take home a complimentary copy to share with the world. You too can have a copy ($20), available soon on Tim’s Brynmorgen Press website.

Have a look at the Youtube clip yourself: