On
May 24th, 2000, the Eli Whitney Museum will open an
exhibition of small works by designers, artists, architects,
educators, and engineers. Each will make of common materials
uncommon expressions.
This
exhibition will help define design as a way of thinking: a
fundamental mission of the Museum’s teaching. The exhibition
will create the Portfolio of the e.Whitney Press's first interactive
teaching compact disc. The exhibition will celebrate the breadth
and significance of design as an economic activity in the
New Haven region.
The
May 24th Premier will fund the Museum's Apprentice
Training Program which will underwrite workshops and classes
for very young designers from all communities.
Nature
turns wheels with muscle, wind and water in dutiful simplicity.
Leonardo's mind reconstructs that movement. He collects and
contrives twists and turns to compose an infinite choreography:
sometimes a dull march, sometimes a graceful waltz, sometimes
a jazzy jitterbug.
The
Museum constructs MacroChip Controllers to teach basic mechanics
and basic invention. A crank and shaft move cams which alter
the direction, the motion and, the speed of three or more lifters.
The limited movement of the rotating shaft can be divided, transmitted
coordinated and combined in unlimited applications.
Explore
the simple movement vocabulary of this common controller. Adapt
it, install it, transform it in a construction - that moves
or not - to enrich ouranthology of the infinite twists of the
creative mind.
We will send you a kit to assemble the basic Controller along
with a 12x12 inch box which you may use - or not - to stabilize
the work. It may be part of the construction or just a display
platform. The idea of Controller is a launching point for your
thinking. Elaborate it, transform it, enlarge it, reduce it,
conceal it, reveal it: in all cases, the essence of the Controller.
Return the finished work to the Museum by Friday, May 21st.
The final footprint should not exceed 15” by 15";
the height is unrestricted.
For
your entry fee you will receive:
—the
Controller and Box
—2 tickets to a lively party and Premere
on Thursday, May 24th
—2 tickets to the Junior Challenge Sunday,
May 6
—the Leonardo Challenge 2001, May 6th
—a first edition copy of The MacroChip CD from
the eWhitney Press
