The Body Mimicked and Transformed
In the first part of this course we will investigate the mechanical form as it relates to the body. We will explore the advances in mechanization and automation in the first quarter of the century that fostered a change in the way artists viewed the world in motion. Tom Flynn’s essay, "Welcome to the Machine," will provide us with the historical examples of temporal works that mimic industrial fabrication and mechanization. Metal fabrication, both welding and pop riveting, and paper and cloth casting will be covered. For the project you will fabricate a work that directly fits on to or mimics the function of a body–a work based on clothing or support systems, a breathing machine or a set of arm extenders, or a work that uses technology to extend your ability.
