 Smart Art (1991)
Computer, sensor, speech synthesizer;
24x30x3"; 15lbs.
Status: collection of Paule Anglim
Smart Art is an IBM PC-XT computer with an ultrasonic sensor and a speech synthesizer
mounted in an ornate gilt picture frame. The piece's behavior is the random
generation and speech of phrases of art-critical jargon. Example: "Anonymous
artificiality establishes a shift from concrete generality to the particularity of the
institutional."
The psychological profile of the piece is pompous, smug, self-important and
self-satisfied. The speech is synthetic, robotic. My intention was for
the piece to appear to be evaluating or critiquing itself for the edification of the
viewer. Speech is rendered when an object is detected within about six feet of the
piece. Within two feet of the piece, a warning mode is entered and the system
increases speech volume and repeats "Please stand away from the artwork!" until
the viewer moves away.
Smart Art requires 120v, and ten feet of open space in front of the work.
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