In 1953 the term “3C” which stood for “Compulsory”, “Capacity”, and “Conflict” was given to one of the original minicomputer companies (DDPs: Digital Data Processors) by the name of Computer Control Company, Inc. I have switched the 3 “C’s” to represent “cybernetics”, “combinatorics” and “crystallography” to link my current work to the processing and control systems found in early computers. My research is situated at the nexus of optical art, cybernetics, crystallography, and graphic design. The distillation of information into aesthetics derives from feedback systems, the Topkapi Scroll, combinatorics, cartography, Ukrainian pysanky, and vyshyvanka grids, apophenia, and B-Movies.
The crystalline structures of fluorescing and phosphorescing minerals have been essential to the development of my patterning work. Through my research of these organic math-based patterns, I fuse optical art techniques with mathematics. The patterns assembled operate as “optical obstacles” for the direct stimulation of the visual cortex.
34w-x-25h-XY-Patterning-Scan-Grid-MW2-Blue-Dots 34”x25”, Adobe illustrator, rulers, vectors, grids, rule sets. Original Artist Proof printed on Museum Etching Paper
Works are constructed of recycled vector-based patterns or physical materials like acrylic, wood, or photographs; with the aim of subtly offsetting our inherent gravitation towards symmetry and order. Each piece begins with a grid-based system formed of a simple mathematical relationship. As layers are added, the resulting configurations mutate and opportunities arise for improvisation. Each layer is stored independently and can be reused, generating an expansive framework for new pieces to grow within. As these layers are recycled, their context and effect change.
Mineral_Activation_Center_Model_Box-2b, 40” by 34” by 9”, Wood, Laser-Cut Fluorescent Acrylic Sheets, DMX Fluorescent Black Light
Using improvisation and formal programming methodologies, I aim to create visual oscillations, warping within periodic cycles and abstract compositions which can be as accessible as repeating patterns.
Grow-Grids-078Book1combo-double-24.86-by-35_2a 34.5”x48”, Adobe illustrator, rulers, vectors, grids, rule sets. Original Artist Proof printed on Museum Etching Paper
YIBO XU 2017 MFA Thesis Exhibition Electronic Integrated Arts April 22nd – 25th
A Bare Cycle（一个赤裸的循环, size variable Interactive Installation, 2016
In 1960, Norbert, the father of cybernetics, published an essay entitled “some of the moral and technical consequences of automation”. Wiener pointed out that machines have become very effective and even dangerous things in about 1960, because they have a certain degree of thinking and communication ability. They are beyond the limitations of designers. He assumed a situation under the control theory system. If a machine has an ability of automatic operation and the function of learning and training to play a game of nuclear war, as long as the rules of the game are to win the nominal victory, these machines may do anything, even at the expense of human survival. The speed of the “evolution” of machines has become so fast that humans act like non-humans in the industrial world, because we have lost the supremacy of the ruler.
The development of science and technology led to the industrial revolution. The revolutionary progress led to a new awareness of human. This also led to the split of traditional values of humans. This process of bridging needs to balance the relationship between man and machine, and man and technology.
Self-healing Function (自愈功能), size variable, Interactive Installation, 2016
The wheelchair can provide a convenient way of moving to people who lose or temporarily lose their ability of movement. As the French philosopher George Camherm proposed a new way of thinking – the machine is an extension of human organs. In other words, we can think that industrial machines are human organs or the definition of human organs can cover industrial machinery. The machine has not only become part of the human organ, at the same time, human beings have also become part of a “super machine”. The machine is more consistent with the definition of an organic person than ever before. But if we throw away these icy rational analyses, people can learn to stand up and walk by training instead of sitting on the tools of the two wheels forever and giving up to challenge human limits.
Self-healing Function 2.0 (自愈功能2.0), Interactive Installation, 2016
Is it a symbiotic relationship between industrial machines and human beings？ Or do they continue to push each other to destruction? Like alien life is imagined in the science fiction film, they have huge heads, slender limbs and just only have the basic ability to move, or even to live in the mechanical or bionic shell. The birth of this image reflects the human concern for the future development of industrial technology. It is difficult for us to evaluate and predict the continuous development of industrial machinery and technology in the future. This is why my heart is uneasy, so I try to find the state without answers when I create my art piece. This statement of anxiety and uneasiness is the power of creation. Since the Aristotelian era, Westerners believe that “soul” or “self” can distinguish between humans and non-human beings. Is this distinction in the current era of great development of science and technology industry still effective? There is no conclusive evidence of the fundamental gap between man and machine. For each human activity, there can be a mechanical correspondence. Is the difference between man and machine completely gone?
Robert C. Turner Gallery School of Art and Design NYSCC at Alfred University2 Pine Street, Alfred, NY 14802 Opening Reception: Saturday • April 22nd • 7:00pm – 9:00pm Gallery Hours : Tuesday – Friday: 12pm – 5pm Saturday: 12pm – 2pm
Visiting artist residency Chad Latz Printmaker DesignerGlobal President of Digital Innovation Group, Cohn & Wolf, New York.
More than two decades have found Chad Latz living multiple iterations of his life as a creative professional. In a presentation and discussion with students, Chad offers insights as he shares intimate stories of his journey as an artist, essential survival skills, the luck, misfortune, will, inspiration and revelations that have offered him his most valuable successes and learnings on his path to growing a creative career and maintaining momentum. In addition to his presentation, Chad will also be working on an artist book and speaking informally with students about careers in Art and Design in the professional space.
Close up of above print
Chad examining his final print
Late night printing of the final print. Silkcreen and polymer plate intaglio
Peer Bode and Joseph Scheer introducing Chad Latz
Finished Print
Chad’s lecture in Room C Chad Latz: Head of Steam: Inspiration & Iteration – A journey from student to advertising agency president
