A technological standard is a reference point decided by people in an industry that demarcates the standard or required physical measurement for any given object or product of that industry, such as the standard of what goes into a contract, or what size a certain screw should be when building an airplane. Hardly fodder for innovative modern art—one might think—but Test Patterns, a new exhibition at Flux Factory, proves one wrong.
Curators Maddie Hewitt and Roopa Vasudevan were fascinated by the idea of finding humanity within technical standardization. The group exhibition became “an affectionate exploration of individual and collective agency claimed over technology, while exposing the limitations inherent in ‘universal’ calibration techniques.” 17 artists working in new and traditional medias each looked at the idea. From Tom Burtonwood‘s 3D printing, to A.P. Vague’s performance art, as well as a Java applet by Patrick LeMieux, and photocopier drawings by The Creators Project’s own Noémie Jennifer, these innovative artists have appropriated preexisting standards and created their own to generate entirely new artworks and explorations of technology, agency, and humanity.
Videos by VICE
See more images from the exhibition below:
Tom Burtonwood, “The Rabbit In The Hat Trick
Genevieve Hoffman & Eric Mika, “Moiré Mandala”
Patrick LeMieux, “Every Icon Editor”
Sarah Zimmer, “Panchromatic”
Douglas McCulloh, “Retargeted”
Noémie Jennifer, “This Is Not A Test”
A.P. Vague, “MMeA #5”
Test Patterns will be on view December 5-December 18, with receptions on opening and closing night. Learn more about the exhibition and the artists involved here.
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