Betsy Zacsek and Niema Qureshi invite you to experience The Abstract Machine
Betsy Zacsek and Niema Qureshi first developed their collaboration during WORKROOM 2023 at CAPE
CAPE teaching artists Betsy Zacsek and Niema Qureshi began working together after discovering that they used the same technology in the classroom. They began discussing ways that technology can help human beings express themselves and make our world even more interactive rather than viewing technology as a mere tool. Niema and Betsy describe their shared studio practice as “a freeform lab for exploring technology as materiality,” experimenting with “physical and digital computing from an experiential perspective.” This playfulness has resulted in an interactive art piece that heightens the sensory experiences of drawing.
Two years later, The Abstract Machine is on display in the Practices in Proximity show at CAPE!
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Betsy and Niema write:
As the viewer approaches the two makeshift workstations it becomes apparent that this is one of those rare art pieces that must be touched rather than seen in order to be understood. They choose their paper and begin drawing, testing each of the brightly colored, odd looking drawing tools.
Where to begin?
What to draw?
After a few tentative marks they realize a current of sound is coming forth as they draw with the tools. Suddenly it feels different to draw. The outside audience doesn’t matter. They tilt their ear downwards, relax their body and start making marks that sound and feel good.
Does the subject of the drawing even matter anymore?
Another person sits down across from them, creating a tapping sound that inspires our drawer to harmonize with them.
What can we do to produce more sounds?
How many noises can we create?
An active, busy drawing is forming. It seems there’s some clear space on the far side of the paper, maybe we’ll move the sound over that way?
The experience of synchronizing with the sound takes the participant away from their preconceived ideas of how to make a painting or a drawing and sets them free to respond to their senses and experiences in a new way.
How do we experience Mark Making when we draw?
How is the experience of responding different than the process of analytical thinking?
What is it to allow sound to wrap around you?
What is the nuance of sound and marks interacting together?
Come experience The Abstract Machine by visiting CAPE between 10 AM-4 PM Tuesday-Thursday or by appointment, and joining “Proximities: conditions of exchange” on Friday, November 22 from 5:30-7:30 PM!
Betsy Zacsek and Niema Qureshi’s experiments during WORKROOM 2023 at CAPE
Betsy Zacsek and Niema Qureshi’s experiments during WORKROOM 2023 at CAPE
