It had to happen sooner or later, and with the 2012 imminent arrival on American soil of the first ever mass produced dreamachines, perhaps it is time.
FLicKeR opens the first ever International Festival of Documentaries on the Arts in Mexico City, 10-17 October 2011. Director in attendance. Thanks to Juan Francisco Urrusti and his team.
Correcting the New Yorker, and their (apparently sole) source, the New Museum -- The Dream Machine was in fact conceived and created in the period 1959-1960, following Gysin's first experience of flicker in December 1958. Fun enough app, though a mere simulacrum of the real thing.
ART PICK: DREAM ON
Posted by The New Yorker
"The New Museum’s retrospective of the British artist, poet, and performer Brion Gysin closed on October 3rd, but the hypnotic pleasures of his most famous achievement, “Dream Machine”—a kinetic light sculpture, conceived in 1961, once described as “the first art object to be seen with the eyes closed”—are now available to anyone with an iPhone. The museum has released an app, which can be downloaded free of charge. One caveat: “Dream Machine” ’s flickering light effects should be avoided by people susceptible to seizures".
The critic Martha Schwendener writes an insightful rave:
"The audience for magic was small during Gysin’s lifetime. But young artists skeptical of scientific rationalism — or whatever brand of theory they’ve been offered at art school — are finding Gysin’s approach alluring. Which is why, in a bout of art historical conjuration, his reputation as an “unsuccessful artist” is being overturned."
Hoo-ray!
FLicKeR screens at the New Museum Thursday 12 August at 7pm and Saturday 14 August at 3pm. Free with museum admission. Thanks to Laura Hoptman, Elizabeth Sheldon and Travis Chamberlain.