Cybernetic serendipity: two weeks after cybernetic music-maker Roland Kayn's box set arrived I spotted this exhibition. Attendance was a must.
Nicolas Schöffer's CYSP 1 (1956) is thought to be the first cybernetic sculpture in art history yet he was not one to party (a non-smoker/drinker), i.e. ever mix with an in-crowd, therefore, perhaps, remained less well-known by not making the connections to promote himself or his work. Just a theory, as discussed with the curator, who agreed.
Staring into one piece proved a 'trippy' experience, suggesting to me that his active light works predicted the psychedelic light shows of the 60s.
It seemed criminal to me that this show wasn't packed with the same kind of people who might flock to a Pop Art exhibition, but so it goes. The cybernetic art movement would take a far more obscure/hidden route through art history, I suppose. Microtemps (1964) rattles and hums as the lights revolve in a marvellously clunky fashion; primitive by modern tech standards, perhaps, but all the more charming for it. Elsewhere, Spatiodynamique 19 stands magnificently untouched by the passing of time, a beautiful constructivist sculpture in steel.
His treatments of film, Variations Luminodynamiques 1, done 'live' by manipulating the cathode ray, were on view. The visual interference of dancers and a Jazz band are especially effective.
There were also prints, executed using a minimal palette of prime colours, yet incredibly powerful in their logical geometry.
We were shown a large book of more prints from the series, which included a grid from which Schöffer worked out the proportions of the shapes. If it all sounds rather dry and scientific, the results are anything but. LJ took a short film of one piece...
As of writing the show closes on Nov 4th but an extension is hoped for. If you can make it I highly recommend a visit to Maddox Arts in London for a rare chance to see Schöffer's magical art in motion.
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