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The Fuse Factory transforms science, new technologies and art into fun, educational and dynamic exhibitions open to the public.
“One of the best things about this exhibit is that many of the artists are here. I like being able to direct people to the artist,” said Alison Colman, executive director and founder of The Fuse Factory Electronic and Digital Arts Lab.
The non-profit art initiative supports art education and emerging artist and will hold a series of exhibits in the Columbus area. The first of these opened Friday at the offices of Rescentris Inc., at Easton Town Center. The two-day exhibit included a wide variety of artists, current and past Ohio State students and faculty members.
The Fuse Factory wants to make art and emerging technology accessible to the general public, not just the regular patrons of the arts, Colman said.
“What I enjoy is giving people around Ohio time to interact with different electronics and digital media,” she said.
Amy Youngs, associate professor of art and technology, spoke at the panel discussion of the need for artists to explore new fields and mediums.
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Youngs described herself as an amateur in technology and science, but said that gives her a lot of freedom and the ability to take risks.
“I can approach these fields in interesting ways that might not be possible if I was an expert in these fields,” she said.
Youngs talked about two of her projects. One was a worm bin filled with microphones, amplified so viewers could hear the worms. The other was a water-and-plant system based on aquaponics that raises fish and food plants simultaneously. The fish provide nutrients for the plants and the plants clean the water for the fish.
The exhibition included technological and art projects. Ross Smith, a senior in art and technology showcased his robot in an exhibition titled “Whistler.” The robot moves around, playing music and flashing lights until it senses people near it and shuts down. If people come closer, the robot shakes as if it is scared. Smith said he got the idea from observing people whistling who stop when they notice they are being observed by others.
Adon Newman, a senior in arts and technology presented a number of projects in the exhibition including a film that was purchased by OSU for the permanent art collection in the new Student Union. His project, “Traveler,” was one of the most popular exhibits. The user put on a backpack mounted with a video camera and a pair of video glasses connected to the camera. The equipment gives the user a third-person view of himself from behind as he moves through the environment. Newman said the project was inspired by video game culture.
Youngs said she was really excited that the event was so successful, and said it is evidence of a growing Columbus art and technology scene.
“It’s so exciting that so many OSU students and former students are getting involved outside school,” she said. “It feels like OSU is having an impact on the community.”
Adam Konvalinka can be reached at [email protected].
