Lafayette Anticipation associate curator Anna Colin talks to artist Tyler Coburn about Ergonomic Futures, a speculative project engaged with art, design, science, anthropology and writing. In this interview, Coburn discusses the research, production process and network of collaborators of a multilayered project ultimately concerned with the futures of humankind. Anna Colin: When one comes across your museum seats Ergonomic Futures (2016—) in contemporary art exhibitions—and soon in natural history, fine art, and anthropology museums—they look… [read more »]
POWRPLNT: Technology for the Next Generation of Artists
In New York City, contemporary artists are establishing innovative ways to share knowledge about the potentials of ever-evolving technology in art. POWRPLNT is a fresh contributor and resourceful two month-long digital art “collaboratory” and indoor garden located at Stream Gallery in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
Its purpose is to promote the use of the intermix of technology, where the digital arts community can interact with the next generation of creators. Open daily from 12pm to 6pm, the space is equipped with five Mac desktops that are available for anyone “ages 13-113” to use for project-based work.
@nikewater digital banner and @to.be all over print tee, source @powrplnt
Monday through Thursday, the space holds a daily free class offered to young artists aged 13-18. During June, the four week long classes examine a variety of mediums and practices from specialized instructors whose skills range from music production, stop-motion animation and experimental video, next-level phone photography, and music video production. For July, the roster of classes teach a mix of skills consisting of learning to make professional animated GIFS, customizing and improving your Tumblr, learning the ins and outs of branding, and designing your own font.
Despite the ever-narrowing digital divide, resources to create art with technology are still largely restricted among the economically and socially disadvantaged. With this in mind, POWRPLNT intends to be a reputable device for all ages. In addition to classes, they plan to host discussions with guest artists like K Rizz and Princess Nokia, who will explain their use of technology in art as a means to express themselves and empower youth, especially women.
On Saturdays, the space turns into an IRL pop-up shop curated by Hanny Ahern. All artwork created in the space has the potential to become part of the gallery, which reinforces the collaborative and encouraging nature of POWRPLNT. The project is planning on growing and expanding to different locations, if you believe in their vision you can donate here.
Open June 1st-July 31st.
Monday-Thursday: 12pm-3pm, 6:30pm-9pm
Saturday/Sunday: 12pm-6pm
welder bros at Stream Gallery 1196 Myrtle Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11221
