Another piece that is worth mentioning is “Ambiguous Icon #5 (Running, Falling)” by Jim Cambell. It “consists of an LED display of programmed patterns of blinking red lights.” A figure, undistinguishable neither as male or female, keeps running, occasionally falling to the ground and getting up again.

“Ambiguous Icon #5 (Running, Falling)”, Jim Cambell

What is remarkable about the work is simplicity that is deceptive yet quite evocative. By looking at a static frame of this kinetic LED display, it is difficult to recognize the figure. The moving image makes the work relevant, letting the human eyes “fill in missing information between the pixels to reveal an image of a figure.”

Installation view of BitStreams. Photo: Jerry L. Thompson Courtesy of the Whitney Museum of American Art

One of the elements that make this a unique and favorable show is the inclusion of sound art. Sound as a form of art is not a new notion. However, in a setting of a museum or a gallery, it has been underrepresented. Half of the artists included in the show were sound artists who use digital technology to create, produce, distort, and perform experimental music.

Photo: Rei Inamoto

Created by LOT/EK, a row of channels juxtaposed with vertical fluorescent light serves as a listening center. One wall of the channels is slightly slanted and covered with foam, with a sign that says “Please lean against the wall while listening”, letting the spectators relax while they experience art.

BitStreams is a well-curated exhibition that is worthwhile visiting.

BitStreams
Date: March 22nd – June 10th, 2001
Place: Whitney Museum of American Art
Address: 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014
Tel: +1 212 570 3600
https://whitney.org