A Lecture by Nils Roeller of the Zurich University of the Arts
Respondent/moderator: David Rokeby, Toronto
Presented by the New Media Program, Image Arts, and the Ryerson Gallery and Research Centre
We live in a magnetic world: refrigerators and thermostats use magnets, the monitors and hard disks of most computers depend on magnets. As an invisible force of nature magnetism has entered the artifacts which build our cultural environment, but we are rarely aware of it. Now, as in antiquity, magnetism challenges perception and is therefore a focus of artistic attention. Nils Roeller presents a short history of the artistic use of magnetic force and the implementation of instruments that enable us to perceive it. He reflects upon the significance of the role played by instruments in the relationship between man, nature and art, while offering examples from the practice of several contemporary Swiss artists.
(Valentina Vuksic: Harddisko 2004. Source)
The artistic interest in instruments and magnetism is juxtaposed with an investigation of the fascination for magnetic compasses and other means of navigation in such feature films as Pirates of the Caribbean. The analysis of differing practices regarding the employment of instruments will lead to a discussion of some of the key concepts of Vilém Flusser’s media theory. Dr. Roeller’s talk follows the outline of his monographic study on magnetism as a history of mediation and orientation.
Nils Roeller is Professor of New Media at Zurich University of the Arts. The main focus of his work is on media and cultural theory, with an emphasis on the epistemology of science and instruments. In the fall of 2009 Dr. Roeller’s new book on the history of magnetism will be released: Magnetismus – Eine Geschichte der Orientierung. Paderborn: Fink, Herbst 2009. A prolific writer in print and web publishing, he is also the author of an online site called Journal for Art, Sex and Mathematics: www.journalfuerkunstsexundmathematik.ch .
| Vi | Me | D |
Runs: Oct 7, 2009
At: Library Building, LIB072, 350 Victoria St.,
Playing: Wednesday
Times: 7:30pm
Cost: free
Getting there: Corner of Victoria and Gould, east of Yonge, north of Dundas
For more information contact: Steve Daniels
Phone:
Email: s2daniels@ryerson.ca