Event 4: Jurij Krpan

I went to Jurij Krpan’s lecture on the Kapelica Gallery for Contemporary Investigative Art and learned about some incredible art exhibits they displayed that have used science as a means of art. 

One piece I found interesting involves two machines, one a “man” and one a “woman”, who wander aimlessly around the exhibit until they finally meet up and embrace which happens about once a day. Although these machines are likely programmed to take a random path, the audience becomes invested in these two robots finding each other and when they finally do, the viewers are happy and satisfied, as they have unknowingly built a one-sided relationship with machines. 

Another piece I really enjoyed was the “Cosmopolitan Chicken Project,” in which the artist intentionally breeds purebred chickens with mutt chickens in order to create a “universal bastard.” Contradictory to common breeding practices, the aim is not to maintain the lineage of one certain type of chicken but rather to create a chicken that embodies all the differences between breeds. By controlling the natural process of reproduction, the artist created an inspiring piece of art.

Krpan ended the lecture with a few statements about art, proclaiming that art is the only field that challenges all your senses at the same time and that art creates a new space for reflection and is there for others to process it. Overall, I really enjoyed Jurij Krpan’s lecture and would love to check out the Kapelica Gallery if I ever find myself in Slovenia.

REFERENCES

Me with Jurij Krpan, CNSI, UCLA. Personal photograph by author. 2015.

Machines, CNSI, UCLA. Personal photograph by author. 2015.

Cosmopolitan Chicken Project, CNSI, UCLA. Personal photograph by author. 2015.