calendar

Friday, March 4th

9 am- 9 pm [LA]
conference: 'Calculating Images'
IHC (HSSB; UCSB; Santa Barbara)
info: 805-893-3907; shamilton@ihc.ucsb.edu
detail: At the McCune Conference Room (6020 HSSB; 6th floor). The international conference we are planning investigates the digital image at the interstice of art and the sciences. Since the beginning of the 1990s, when researchers focused on digital photography, the digital image has not found the attention it deserves. We therefore want to begin with a series of basic questions that place the digital image in the context of other digital and non-digital imaging technologies. What does it mean to speak of images in the digital age? How does the digital image correspond to other technical images, such as photography and film? Where does the specificity of digital images lie in terms of their production and reception? Does the digital image represent an absolute break in the history of the (technical) image, or should we regard it, on the contrary, as the culmination of that history? Is it sufficient to oppose the principally “unbounded” (unframed) digital image to the image of film, an image that is in essence nothing more than a sequence of independent stills viewed at rapid succession? Or do digital images, i.e., images produced from algorithms, fall out of the history of the mechanic image by their very nature? Finally, how serious should we take the widespread assumption that the most important difference between digital and non-digital images lies in the interactive nature of digitally produced images? These are some of the questions that will introduce our discussions. However, crucially, no discussion of digital images can limit itself to ontological questions alone (“What is a digital image?”). What digital images “are” emerges from their manifold use in different scientific and artistic contexts, from medicine (Positron Emission Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, etc.) to digital art and satellite surveillance. In all these areas digital images have radically changed our understanding of such notions as control/surveillance; objectivity; evidence; vision; encoding; media, and emergence. Apart from that, we should not forget that the digital image, unlike film and photography, is an evolving technology in constant development that will shape our perception of the world for a long time to come. Alongside the conference we are organizing a thematically related, collaborative exhibition project in Los Angeles that will bring together artists, scientists, and historians, and that will critically reflect upon the issues raised by the conference. Through March 5th. Free and open to the public. More info at the event Web site.

noon [LA]
conference: 'Schools of Thoughts 2'
Art Center College of Design (950 South Raymond; Pasadena)
info: 310-206-8876 [AIGA LA]; pv@35k.com
detail: Schools of Thoughts 2 offers a lively and stimulating opportunity for Graphic Design educators to gather, reflect on, and celebrate design pedagogy today. The event kicks off with renowned writer, Wired magazine editor, and design aficionado, Bruce Sterling, considering the significant influences that inform and shape the current context of design. The following day, a diverse spectrum of respected voices will address how design research, design history, critical studies, and, most importantly, the intelligent practice of creating visual form, play crucial roles in shaping contemporary design education towards relevant professional practice. Panels, lead by prominent educators, will elaborate on main stage topics as well as other significant themes such as graduate education, community involvement, and professional practice. Discussion groups will be formed to provide opportunities to share ideas with colleagues. A pre-event will offer lively alternative activities for edification, inspiration, and entertainment. The final hurrah will be a day of vital reflection on the state of design education with the design education leader, Meredith Davis. Schools of Thoughts 2 promises an inspiring few days to further and recognize the contributions of education to the evolving discipline of Graphic Design. Through March 6th. Educators: $85; students: $50. More info at the event Web site.

7-9 pm [LA]
exhibit: 'George Herms: Hot Set'
Bergamot Station (2525 Michigan Avenue; Santa Monica)
info: 310-586-6488 [Santa Monica Museum of Art]; info@smmoa.org
detail: Public opening. Through May 14th.

7-9 pm [LA]
exhibit: '2 Projects'
Bergamot Station (2525 Michigan Avenue; Santa Monica)
info: 310-586-6488 [Santa Monica Museum of Art]; info@smmoa.org
detail: Public opening. Blue McRight: 'Morandi's Lawn', and Kota Ezawa: 'On Photography'. Through May 14th.

830 pm [LA]
presentation: 'Raster-Noton Artists'
REDCAT (Walt Disney Concert Hall; 631 West 2nd Street; downtown LA)
info: 213-237-2800
detail: Part of 'Visual Music: See Hear Now!', an experimental performance series exploring the resonance between contemporary music and visual art. The critically-accalimed Raster-Noton label is a major experimental music and multimedia cooperative based in Berlin. Two of its founders present solo works and perform together in a rare appearance as Signal. $14 MoCA members, $18 general admission. More info available at moca.org/seehearnow