Act/React and Think

The Milwaukee Art Museum's recent exhibit Act/React showcases interactive pieces of art. One of my favorite piece was Daniel Rozin's "Snow Mirror." It feel very soothing in the dark room, as the particles fell on the screen like millions of snowflakes. It reminded me of one of those perfect winter nights. As I stood still the flakes collected together rather quickly to form a mirror reflection myself in the snow. The contrast of the darkness and the white specs floating around, as if I were trapped in a snow-globe, highlighted beautiful shadows on the object in front of the lens. As I moved the flakes slowly trailed behind. If I shook quickly it looked as though the image of me suddenly combusted. I felt like a super hero.
This exhibit captivated me for sometime. It was very mesmerizing just to stand still and take it all in. Another piece I enjoyed was the wooden peg reflection. Like the other, it acts as sort of a mirror, simulating a distinguishable reflection of the subjects in front of it. As the camera records the movement, the pegs instantly correspond, using shadows created and different shades of wood, to display a very personal piece of art on the wall. It's amazing to think of how much work must have gone into constructing something like this. It felt like each little peg had a personality.
Both pieces seemed to have a very personal connection with the viewer. Even if you were with other people, it still almost felt like a one on one with you and the art. You are working with it in a way, you're adapting to it and it's adapting to you. Because of so much going on to operate the mechanics of the piece, both seemed to have a sense of slight delay, before it created your image back at you. In this sense, it almost felt like a dance, or game I played between me and the personified artworks.
It was quite comforting to know that I had put my own mark on the art work by interacting with it. It's interesting to think that the art will constantly be changing daily. So many unique images and visuals have been and will continue to be made, still spawning from one original idea.