IGFS (1997)

IGFS (1997)

Framed speakers and microphone, voice-activated computer animation and sound.

In IGFS, the computer served two functions: art critic for the duration of a group show, and electronic gallery comment book. Framed speakers alerted the viewer with a spoken instruction to activate the critique by saying “Shhhh” very loudly. Obeying this instruction initiated one of several critic personalities who spoke through the computer. These cyber critics were fairly obnoxious, and would signal the viewer to the computer with a loud bodily noise such as a burp or a sigh. The voice would then respond to screen images of illuminated spots on the empty gallery wall that zoomed in and out again. The critic persona was a confused amalgam of modernist high-art diatribe, high-tech lingo, and popular cynic. At the end of each critique, a comment book appeared on the screen where the viewer could both enter their own reactions to the show and peruse previous entries. The resulting electronic debates were lively and full of controversy.