Trees!

[rebeccmeister]

This less-clickbaity New Yorker article on the benefits of trees reminded me of a visit, years ago, to the Henry Art Gallery with annikusrex, that she may or may not remember. My memories of the Henry are deeply layered; I have seen so many things there. In this specific instance, the smaller space on the lower floor of the museum was occupied by a single installation piece that consisted of an enormous screen. Colors and shapes continually cascaded down the screen, accompanied by gentle undulating noises. As we walked around the room, we stepped in front of motion detectors that would cause subtle shifts in the projected image. It was like a life-size screensaver, only aesthetically better than any screensaver I've ever seen, for some reason. We interacted with it for a good long while. The net cognitive effect was similar to what I experience when lying underneath a tree, staring up at its branches and leaves or blossoms. It's also similar to what I observe when watching a ship or ferry's wake. I can watch those patterns for hours; peace in motion.

The vast majority of other forms of interactive artwork haven't tickled this funny bone successfully. There's an interactive light display in the Denver airport that changes colors as people walk by, and I found it tremendously depressing. The lights had that buzzing flicker of a tired lit-up display, and the first time I passed it, one of the plastic covers over one light was busted. It was an enormous plastic grid of big plastic buttons.

I would have traded it for a real tree in the airport, any day of the week.

Comments

[bluepapercup]

I won't describe it so that you can get the full enjoyment when you visit, but once you are in the Bay Area you must visit the Turrell Skyscape at the DeYoung Museum. It's not interactive per se but it is so peaceful.

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

Nice! I'm guessing it will share some features in common with the skyspaces in Seattle and Scottsdale. Some day I REALLY want to make it out to the Rodin Crater. :-)

[bluepapercup]

I have not been to either of those, alas, but they are on my list. :)

I also still very much want to go out to Lightning Field

You and I should make an art pilgrimage somewhere at some point.

[pigshitpoet.livejournal.com]

yeah, trees..