Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Art Review: Marko Peljhan

Not being a science oriented person, I had no idea what a lecture titled "Two Polar Visions and Other Technical Maneuvers" could possibly entail. I soon learned that Marko Peljhan's "Arctic Perspective Initiative" and "Polar M" projects were a unique and innovative blend of his dedication to both science and the arts, further fueled by his interest and personal experiences with war.

Peljhan's Makrolab project involves exploring three fields in global activity: telecommunications, migration, and weather/climate. To be honest I couldn't tell you much more without butchering his artistic integrity because I don't know what the true purpose of the solar and wind powered structure is... at least it looks cool? Maybe if you're better at absorbing this type of information you'll appreciate reading these FAQs.


I was most intrigued by Peljhan's Polar M project. This installation places participants in the midst of "data space" in an attempt to generate the experience of networks in a physical, material manner. Through the use of a projector, search engine algorithms, and radioactive granite, the space engulfs viewers inside of the chaos of a network via sound and visuals. It's very Matrix-esque. The project raises questions about how we interact with digital space as well as the notion of calculated human activity being able to create randomness. As a teen who uses Google and the internet daily, it would be fascinating to be inside of such an abstract world.

Here are some links that may give a much more comprehensive understanding of his work than I could ever offer:

Art 1C is seriously broadening my perspective on what art is and how diverse people's passions can be. While I may not fully understand their work or may not deliver their arguments as well as they could, there's no doubt that the lecture series is worthwhile.

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