Imagine carrying an artistic creation around in a purse or a pocket.
Better yet, consider participating in a creative process by simply pressing the buttons of your cell phone. One current exhibit proposes just that, and all are invited to play along.
Cell Phone: Art and the Mobile Phone may sound a bit daunting, if not overly technical. But fear not, a visit here becomes a liberating experience.
“This kind of artwork we call ‘new media’,” Contemporary Museum Director Irene Hoffman said. “The term describes work, or a genre of work that uses virtual reality, computers, PDAs, anything that is new, just as the camera was once new.”
A camera phone, a video phone, even ring tones and messaging devices are now the palettes and stages that thrust art into a new realm of both mobility and interaction.
“Connect to Art” is one large portion of a Nokia- sponsored exhibit where cutting-edge art is made expressly for viewing on mobile devices.
Another area of the exhibit, called cell: Block (2007) by the artists’ collective URBAN tells, invites viewers to contribute content to the displayed work through text messages or photos sent from their mobile phones.
“Art is communication. It’s a conversation between the artist and the viewer,” Nokia Design Director Eero Miettinen said. “The concept is a logical ? and metaphysical.”
IF YOU GO
Cell Phone: Art and the Mobile Phone
» Venue: Contemporary Museum
» Where: 100 West Centre St., Baltimore
» When: Though April 22
Wednesday – Sunday 12 to 5 p.m., Thursday until 7 p.m.
» Price: Suggested donations are $5 for adults, $3 for children
» Information: 410-783-5720
