Michael Pinsky

I studied the works of Michael Pinsky in order to get yet another perspective on the use of technology within nature. Although all of Pinsky’s works do not necessarily always follow these themes, he has completed a few works that set up interesting conversation on the subject. One such piece is that of Weather Cluster. This piece was a response to Earth’s increasingly violent weather. This digital “chandelier” of 30 flat screen monitors hanging in UK’s Clacton High School’s Auditorium in the main atrium, depicts weather conditions that are transmitted by students taking photos and recording data form around the world that is transmitted to a living cpu.

With this work Pinsky hints at the tenuos frailty of technology, remarking that in a work such as this, “the software and the hardware, have to be incredibly robust.” The thing that intrigues me about Weather Cluster is that is trusted by Pinsky that the upcoming generation will appreciate the extent to which their personal and political decisions will impact the global climate and human health.” This intrigues me in terms of the collaboration aspect of the piece and the need for a team of people to keep the piece alive and running well. I find working in a large scale collaboratively, especially among students, is an excellent avenue for artists to work in.

I appreciate Pinsky’s ability to make large works that are not just privately commissioned works, but performative large scale works. Such is that of Symposium, 2001, where Pinsky cut a car in half and mounted one half on the edge of the Wilmington Swing Bridge, and the other on a nearby bank. The two halves were reunited to one when the bridge swung shut. Not only do the two car halves come back together, but they trigger the car alarm. I will be the first to admit that it is difficult for me to think in such a large manner, however I respect and will continue to discover artists that are working in such a way, as to gain more knowledge.

Dillon, Laura. "Commissions." Sculpture Dec. 2006: 20. Print.

Watt, Janet. "Charting a Course." AN Magazine July 2003: 28. AN Magazine. Web.