March 19 to May 9, 2015David Rokeby is an internationally renowned artist and Governor General’s award-winner based in Toronto. His work has been performed and exhibited across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia, including The National Gallery of Canada, the Whitney Museum in New York and the Venice Biennale of Art. On the occasion of his exhibition at McIntosh Gallery, he will be speaking about his work for the Visual Art Department's Art Now! Speaker Series.
Starting March 19th, his project Very Nervous System (1983-2004) will be on view. Curated by Jesse Stewart, this piece is a landmark interactive sound installation that has no visual component. Instead, it uses video surveillance technology, synthesizers, a sound system, computers, and image-processing software to translate movement into music and/or sound. The gallery will appear to be empty, but when visitors pass through it, their movements will be converted into sounds that are played back to them through speakers. Visitors can “sculpt” the sound through a dynamic process of experimentation, improvisation and play. Rokeby has called the installation a “transforming mirror” that reflects and refracts our actions in space and time as well as our embodied sense of self. Please join us to hear Rokeby speak about his engaging practice prior to the exhibition's opening reception at McIntosh Gallery at 8PM.
