December 1993 - October 1994
Sponsored by The MTA
Arts-For-Transit and Eastern Standard Time Productions
Animations by Wayne
Lytle and Richard Gillilan (The Cornell Theory Center) and NASA/Jet Propulsion
Laboratories
Initially there was great resistance to presenting this piece - the MTA feared the installation would be damaged or stolen.
The Synthetic Terrarium was a
video installation located on the platform of the Franklin St. subway station
in Manhattan.
Unsuspecting passersby were subjected to a video display of computer animation from the Cornell Theory Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratories, subtitled with my own original animations and prose.
The piece contrasted scientific vs. cultural approaches to the nature of life itself. In the original press release I stated -
"These animations represent current scientific investigations, however, they are also fascinating aesthetic experiences. In responding to this material I discover an underlying desire linking science and art; a shared longing to interpret and depict life's intentions and mysteries."
The project survived 10 months in the subway without being vandalized. This amazed the MTA and now the Franklin Street location is New York's official subway video art venue.
Further info:
