October 26–November 27, 2013
SVA Flatiron Gallery
133/141 West 21st Street
New York City
Hours: Monday–Friday 9am–7pm, Saturday,10am–6pm;
closed on Sundays and public holidays
Panel Discussion: Saturday, November 9, 2pm–5pm, Room 101C
Reception: Saturday, November 9, 6–8pm
The MFA Computer Art Department at the School of Visual Arts (SVA), in partnership with the New York Digital Salon (NYDS), presents The American Algorists: Linear Sublime, an exhibition exploring the elegance that can be achieved with a line through the use of programming a computer and printing the work on paper with plotters, inkjet printers or other media. Curated by Grant D. Taylor, associate professor of art history at Lebanon Valley College, the exhibition will be on view October 26 through November 27 at the SVA Flatiron Gallery, 133/141 West 21st Street, New York City.
The American Algorists: Linear Sublime features the work of digital art pioneers Jean-Pierre Hébert, Manfred Mohr, Roman Verostko and Mark Wilson. Their creative histories go back decades; Verostko and Wilson exhibited their work in the First New York Digital Salon, and Mohr has appeared in several NYDS shows. Mohr received the SIGGRAPH Distinguished Artist Award in 2013; Hébert received the award in 2012 and Verostko in 2009.
The New York presentation of the exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the New York Digital Salon. According to Bruce Wands, chair of the MFA Computer Art Department and director of NYDS, “Computer art was initially seen as a trend. But today, art made with new technologies is viewed simply as contemporary art.”
In conjunction with the show, a panel discussion co-moderated by curator Grant Taylor and NYDS director Bruce Wands will take place on Saturday, November 9 at 2pm. Panelists include the artists Jean-Pierre Hébert, Manfred Mohr, Roman Verostko, Mark Wilson and A. Michael Noll, a scientist and engineer from Bell Telephone Laboratories who, in 1962, created one of the first digital artworks ever—also on view in The American Algorists. A reception will follow the panel discussion at 6pm. All events, free and open to the public, will take place at the SVA Flatiron Gallery.
TheSVA Flatiron Gallery (formerly the Westside Gallery), located at 133/141 West 21st Street, between Sixth and Seventh avenues, is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm, and Saturday,10am to 6pm; closed on Sundays and public holidays. The gallery is accessible by wheelchair. For more information, call 212.592.2145.
For the past 20 years, the New York Digital Salon has served as a catalyst for greater public awareness of digital art and helped fill in the gaps in contemporary art history. It promotes the creative use of technology and innovation in contemporary art and contributes to cultural growth through educational and public programs, exhibitions and screenings, both nationally and internationally. The NYDS maintains an extensive online archive and resource of digital art, artists and essays. A project of the SVA MFA Computer Art Department, the NYDS has received support from the NEA, Rockefeller Foundation, NYSCA, NESTA-UK and the School of Visual Arts. www.nydigitalsalon.org
The MFA Computer Art Department at SVA emphasizes creativity and a multidisciplinary approach to making art with computers and emerging technologies. Dedicated to producing digital artists of the highest caliber, the department has distinguished itself with seven Student Academy Awards. Graduate students’ creative work has appeared in many international venues, including the Student Academy Awards, SIGGRAPH Electronic Theater, Art Gallery and Screening Room, Prix Ars Electronica, Whitney Biennial, Annecy, Ottawa and the New York Animation Festival. www.mfaca.sva.edu
School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than six decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprised of more than 6,000 students at its Manhattan campus and 35,000 alumni in 100 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For information about the College’s 32 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, visit sva.edu.
