Popular
Mechanics
curated
by Kathleen Gilrain
Smack-Mellon, Brooklyn, New York
May 31 to July 8, 2001
Artists Gregory Barsamian, Robert Chambers, Aaron Davidson, Melissa Dubbin, Hermann Feldhaus, Bruce Fowler, Robin Hill, Perry Hoberman, Sheila Moss, Jonathan Podwil, Kate Yourke, and Mary Ziegler.
"3 Lines",
2001
cyanotype on paper and polystyrene bags
dimensions variable
Simple mechanics, obsolete technology and outdated science is adopted by artists who have in common a desire to investigate methods once used by industry, but now on the endangered species list. Popular Mechanics includes artists who use drawing, film, cyanotypes, video, animation, zoetropes, hair dryer blowers, motors, scanners, sensors, braille, bar codes and paint in an exploration of art, science and illusion.
Robin Hill creates a large site specific photograph and installation using the unusual architecture of Smack Mellon's 19th century. Cyanotype is a 19th century photographic process and was the precursor to the modern-day blueprint. Unlike the blueprint, the cyanotype is archivally sound. A two part chemical formula sensitizes the coated paper to ultraviolet light which allows for very simple exposures to take place in a studio setting. In her cyanotypes matter is translated into degrees of opacity and translucency which are the two dimensional counterparts to thick and thin. The cyanotypes document the gesture of placing physical matter on paper.
