All Segments
Experiments in Art and Technology with Artforum Editor Michelle Kuo
32 segments available
Michelle Kuo is Editor in Chief of Artforum - https://www.artforum.com/ Kat Mañalac is a Partner at YC - https://twitter.com/katmanalac Michelle came in to chat with us about art and technology and, in particular, a group called Experiments in Art and Technology - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experiments_in_Art_and_Technology YC's podcast is hosted by Craig Cannon - http://twitter.com/craigcannon
Segments Timeline
The Birth of EAT
Michelle Kuo discusses the founding of Experiments in Art and Technology (EAT) in 1966 by artist Robert Rauschenberg and engineer Billy Klüver. She highlights the significance of Bell Labs during this period, emphasizing its role in technological breakthroughs that enabled the collaboration between artists and engineers. This segment sets the stage for understanding how EAT aimed to democratize access to technology for artists.
"so I'll just start by saying experiments in art and technology was a group that was founded in 1966 by the artist Robert Rauschenberg by an engineer named Billy kluever who was a research scientist at..."
Collaborative Innovations
In this segment, Kuo elaborates on the initial collaborations between artists and engineers, sparked by practical needs such as Jasper Johns' request for a battery-powered neon light. She explains how these collaborations led to the idea of creating a platform where artists could easily access engineering expertise, thus fostering innovation in art and technology.
"common and you know Jasper Johns needed a neon wanted a neon light in the shape of a letter the letter R for one of his paintings and he didn't want a cord running from the painting to an electrical s..."
The Armory Performance Series
Kuo describes the ambitious performance series at the Armory in New York, which involved over 40 artists and engineers. This segment captures the chaotic yet creative process of pairing artists with engineers, highlighting the challenges and excitement of their brainstorming sessions. The narrative emphasizes the experimental nature of these collaborations and the tensions that arose.
"sort of phenomenon so they said about trying to basically start to get the word out to get artisan engineers together the first real project they did that they undertook was probably you know one of t..."
The Challenges of Innovation
This segment focuses on the difficulties faced during the preparation for the Armory performances, including technical challenges and the pressure of high expectations. Kuo shares anecdotes about the artists' ambitious ideas and the engineers' reactions, illustrating the clash between artistic vision and technological feasibility.
"thing so kluever would bring in friends from Bell rauschenberg and Robert Wittman and other artists would bring in friends from their circle this happened to include John Cage David Tudor Yvonne Raine..."
Opening Night Chaos
Kuo recounts the chaotic opening night of the performance series at the Armory, where technical failures led to frustration among attendees, including prominent figures from the art world. This segment highlights the unpredictability of live performances and the innovative spirit that drove the artists and engineers to push boundaries despite setbacks.
"in real time and like any tech person knows non tech people think technology can do everything all at once already so they were really just pie in the sky and I think the engineers were really shocked..."
Rauschenberg's Groundbreaking Piece
In this segment, Kuo details Robert Rauschenberg's innovative performance piece that utilized infrared technology, a classified military tool at the time. She explains how the performance involved a tennis match that gradually plunged the Armory into darkness, culminating in a unique visual experience for the audience. This piece exemplifies the intersection of art and technology.
"tried out and there were long delays nearly 10,000 visitors over the course of these essentially 20 nights yeah so like just so I understand the timeframe yeah they they decide like there's just one p..."
The Evolution of EAT
Kuo discusses how EAT evolved from its initial projects to a larger community, eventually attracting nearly 5,000 members by 1970. This segment explores the significance of membership in EAT, allowing artists and engineers to collaborate and share their interests, thus fostering a vibrant network of creativity and innovation.
"because they wanted they wanted to test out literally physical scale and in the armory there are echo times of up to five seconds so people interested in sound in remote control in video or basically ..."
Outreach and Community Building
This segment highlights EAT's efforts to reach out to both artists and engineers, emphasizing the importance of community building. Kuo explains how EAT engaged with various organizations and events to promote collaboration, showcasing the proactive approach taken to bridge the gap between art and technology.
"ended up getting infrared cameras from a Japanese supplier and so that one part of the performance was turning all the lights off and in the dark then training these infrared cameras on hundreds of pe..."
Rauschenberg's Artistic Vision
Kuo delves into Rauschenberg's artistic vision for his performance at the Armory, focusing on themes of remote control and sound. She describes how Rauschenberg aimed to create a poetic experience through movement and sound, pushing the boundaries of traditional performance art and exploring new forms of expression.
"fascinated by you know kinetic sculpture or I really like you know dropping acid like how are people discovering this is like pre-internet they're just like okay I'm into acid I guess I know how that ..."
The Impact of Technology on Art
In this segment, Kuo reflects on the broader implications of the intersection between art and technology during the EAT era. She discusses how artists and theorists were exploring the future of communication and human perception, highlighting the excitement and wonder surrounding these innovations.
"again in first of all remote control this what he kind of thought of as action at a distance you know how can you make something else happen but not be physically tethered to it he's also interested i..."
Exploring Performance and Technology
Michelle Kuo discusses a unique performance that utilized infrared technology to create an immersive experience. The performance challenged traditional narratives by focusing on the experience rather than a climactic spectacle, pushing boundaries in sound, imaging, and technology. Kuo reflects on the experimental nature of the performance and the audience's initial confusion about its purpose.
"do maybe make a motion like pull your ear or touch the person next to you just these sort of very vague instructions so that's what they were doing assembled on the floor and the image of them via inf..."
Public Perception of Art and Technology
Kuo examines the contrasting attitudes towards art and technology during the era of Experiments in Art and Technology (EAT). She highlights the wonder and excitement surrounding new technologies, as well as the critical perspectives that emerged, particularly in the context of the anti-Vietnam protests and concerns about the military-industrial complex. This duality shaped the reception of EAT's initiatives.
"was the case of course the first night the rackets didn't work so they were or the lights this the trigger for the lights didn't work so they were actually manually turned off the light you know sort ..."
Automation and Labor Concerns
The conversation shifts to the Automation House, a project aimed at addressing fears about automation and job loss. Kuo explains how the American Foundation on Automation and Employment sought to mediate concerns about technology's impact on labor. This initiative aimed to embrace technology while ensuring that labor remained relevant, reflecting a utopian vision for the future of work.
"since then as well and you get it really crystallizes both utopian and the dystopian attitudes toward technology at the time and what arts role was to either explore that or in fact critique and negat..."
The Pepsi Pavilion Experience
Kuo recounts the ambitious project of the Pepsi Pavilion at the 1970 World's Fair, a collaboration that showcased innovative technology and art. Despite its groundbreaking design and immersive experiences, the pavilion faced challenges, including budget overruns and public skepticism. The eventual replacement of its experimental soundtracks with mainstream music marked a significant turning point for EAT.
"yes it's almost very practical you know they really wanted to try and solve this problem but then it dovetailed very nicely with what EA T was trying to do which was to say you know how can we pragmat..."
Interdisciplinary Collaborations in Art
The discussion highlights the interdisciplinary nature of EAT, featuring collaborations between artists, engineers, and scientists. Kuo mentions notable figures like Robert Irwin and Richard Feynman, who were part of this network. The conversation touches on the influence of EAT on subsequent art and technology initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in exploring new artistic frontiers.
"time yeah because it seems very practical right like it was yeah it was yeah because what ended up happening with the house which is the my concern it was basically became eventually became a gallery ..."
EAT's Ambitious Scale and Its Challenges
Kuo elaborates on the ambitious nature of the EAT movement, contrasting it with corporate art initiatives. She discusses how EAT sought to break free from traditional museum confines, creating site-specific works that often defy conventional art categories. This segment emphasizes the innovative spirit of EAT and the difficulties in preserving its legacy.
"that there were a lot of not a lot but there were definitely a number of analogous collaboration programs that were like EA T often modeled after that it one was this program where a win was sort of m..."
The Evolution of Art in the Age of Technology
This segment delves into the challenges artists face when incorporating new technologies into their work. Kuo discusses how the rapid evolution of technology complicates the preservation of art, particularly pieces that utilize obsolete materials. She highlights the ongoing struggle within the art world to maintain and adapt these works over time.
"into any of the traditional institutions did everything they build was it was at all site-specific not necessarily I mean you know what part of what they wanted to do and what they did create was almo..."
The Role of Kinetic Art and Obsolescence
Kuo reflects on kinetic art and its relationship with technology, citing examples of works that have faced obsolescence. She discusses the implications of using unorthodox materials and technologies in art, and how this creates a unique challenge for artists and museums alike. This segment underscores the tension between innovation and preservation in contemporary art.
"stuff yeah I mean even I don't know the history of it nearly like you do but the like all the tangley stuff the things that break themselves are amazing yeah but they like the museum kind of takes it ..."
Rauschenberg's Ready-Made Revolution
In this segment, Kuo examines Robert Rauschenberg's approach to ready-made art and how it has evolved with technology. She discusses the challenges of updating artworks to reflect contemporary technology and the philosophical questions this raises about artistic intent and preservation. This exploration highlights the dynamic relationship between art and technological advancement.
"they're going to do in the future you wouldn't believe the actions you got on Twitter by the way like people are sending in stuff it's very practically Wikipedia that again but just to sort of finish ..."
The Intersection of Art and Obsolete Technology
Kuo discusses the fascination with obsolete technologies in contemporary art, contrasting it with the pursuit of cutting-edge innovations. She reflects on how artists navigate this landscape, often questioning whether to preserve the original medium or adapt their works to modern standards. This segment highlights the ongoing dialogue about the relevance of technology in artistic expression.
"etc F had more sort of news blah blah blah Rauschenberg wanted us i think at the time it was FM and then so they wanted to switch it to a.m. as well anyway let's just say that in the 90s they had to d..."
Exploring Primitivism and Technology in Art
Kuo shares insights from her recent visit to the Venice Biennale, noting a distinct lack of technology in the current exhibition. She discusses how contemporary artists are exploring themes of primitivism and spirituality, often using traditional forms and crafts. This segment emphasizes the shift in focus from technology to deeper cultural narratives in art.
"at the time are actually interested in obsolete technologies and in exploring those at the same time there are other artists who are interested in the you know the newest latest thing and that's what ..."
Trevor Paglen: Rendering the Invisible
In this segment, Kuo highlights the work of artist Trevor Paglen, who uses advanced technology to capture images of drones and other automated systems. She discusses how Paglen's work seeks to make visible the invisible aspects of technology and surveillance, pushing the boundaries of art and perception. This exploration underscores the critical role of technology in contemporary artistic practice.
"expanded to the extent that everyone has a computer in their pocket so it's so ubiquitous that in a way I wouldn't say that the the bein all I for example was devoid of technology I think it was every..."
Trevor Paglen's Vision
In this segment, Kuo elaborates on Trevor Paglen's work, which involves capturing stunning photographs of drones using specialized camera technology. She explains how Paglen's art seeks to render visible the unseen aspects of automated technologies, prompting viewers to engage with concepts that are typically beyond human perception.
"to one of them is Trevor Paglen who for example he well he's kind of a crazy guy he has a series of incredible photographs that are basically taken from remote sites and with very special camera techn..."
Blockchain and Digital Art
Kuo addresses the intersection of blockchain technology and digital art, discussing its potential to track authenticity. She reflects on the challenges artists face in creating valuable digital art and the ongoing debate about authenticity in the age of digital reproduction, emphasizing how some artists may intentionally subvert traditional notions of authenticity.
"processes are and he's really someone who I think has done that yeah I mean I was just about to jump into some of these questions from Twitter but I mean this is a it's a new experience for us too um ..."
The Role of Machines in Art
This segment explores the philosophical implications of machine-generated art. Kuo argues that while machines can create art, the human element remains crucial in initiating the creative process. She discusses how artists use technology to challenge traditional authorship and the implications of automation in the art world.
"know falling apart because like you know your browser is no longer compatible but also you know if you like Photoshop paint something you can just duplicate it infinitely right so you have the signatu..."
Challenging Traditional Notions of Art
Kuo reflects on the historical context of art and technology, discussing how innovations like photography challenged traditional artistic values. She emphasizes the ongoing tension between automation and human creativity, suggesting that artists will continue to explore and redefine what constitutes art in the face of technological advancements.
"people's attitudes towards even the newest technology okay so I'm sure people are you know everyone's always interested in valuation outside of the artists themselves well it's tricky all right but it..."
The Impact of Tools on Artistic Expression
In this segment, Kuo discusses the relationship between artistic tools and the quality of art produced. She argues that while tools can influence artistic expression, the true measure of art lies in the artist's vision and execution. Kuo highlights the importance of innovation in art and how artists adapt to new technologies to push creative boundaries.
"art well so this is the so we had dug oh yeah oh you do this the name I don't know him personally I just I know about him but actually again this is nothing in the video but like my partner because he..."
Democratizing Communication through Art
Kuo shares insights on a project that aimed to democratize communication among children using early communication technologies. She reflects on the unexpected outcomes of the project, illustrating how art can facilitate dialogue and connection across diverse socio-economic backgrounds, while also addressing the complexities of communication in a digital age.
"pushed the limits of what you know what sensation is what perception is right material is what we've adapt yeah yeah and so when your or even predict I mean they might be the forecasters in a way of w..."
Bridging Art and Technology: A Future Vision
In this segment, Kuo reflects on the relationship between art and technology, emphasizing the need for public institutions that facilitate collaboration between these fields. She discusses the historical context of the Experiments in Art and Technology (EAT) initiative and the importance of creating accessible spaces for technological knowledge, paralleling the role of museums in the art world.
"architectural and formal experience was still really important to these artists and engineers the the sites in which the children were playing with these machines were specifically devised as these ki..."
The Paradox of Information Freedom
Kuo addresses the paradox of copyright and the desire for free information in the digital age. She discusses the challenges of creating content while ensuring that artists and creators can sustain their livelihoods. This segment explores the complexities of information sharing and the implications for both art and technology communities.
"knowledge and experience in the same way that a museum is in an ideal scenario a civic institution that's really for an audience of anyone who wants to go in reality of course we know that's not alway..."
Historical Shifts in Art and Technology
Kuo recommends two significant books that explore the historical shifts in art and technology: Fred Turner's 'From Counterculture to Cyberculture' and Maria Gough's 'The Artist as Producer.' She discusses how these works trace the evolution of artistic ideals and their incorporation into modern capitalism, highlighting the importance of understanding past movements to envision future possibilities.
"then ya know yes I get it my only my last question you have any more questions I might I'll see what you okay yeah well I always liked it you know recommended reading I gave that to you as like a pre ..."
The Role of Art Criticism Today
In this segment, Kuo emphasizes the importance of art criticism and its potential to engage diverse audiences. She discusses the legacy of influential critics like Clement Greenberg and how their writings shaped contemporary art discourse. Kuo advocates for accessible art criticism that resonates with both specialists and the general public, underscoring its relevance in today's cultural landscape.
"you know part of what this is is a history of things that that people thought of but never came to pass and I think you know in our culture we're often taught if it wasn't successful then you shouldn'..."