Blogging Assignment 7

Kevan Mann

ISTA 301 Blog 7

Opto-Isolator - A Discussion

Opto-Isolator by Golan Levin

        Opto-Isolator by Golan Levin is an interactive art piece that explored the idea of reverse-spectatorship; what if the art piece observed you? The creation is a mechanized human eye replica which, using a variety of sensors and cameras, stares its viewer directly in the eye and reacts in unnervingly human ways. As you look at it, it appears to be studying the viewers face with subtle but intent eye movements. It can also react by breaking eye contact if it is stared at for too long, and perhaps most surprising, blinks precisely one second after the viewer does. Yes, it even BLINKS.

I think one style of art that describes this piece would be the concept of Cybernetics, which is an art form focused on the study of systems (both their functions and structures) from all areas, including mechanical, physical, biological, cognitive, and social. 

In a few ways, this one simple piece contains Cybernetic elements from each of these categories. First, it is exemplary of mechanical Cybernetics in the way it mimics the mechanical function of the eye with its' movements (up/down/left/right) and blinking. In addition, it contains the physical and biological aspect of the eye with the Sclera (white part), the pupil (black part) and the iris (colored part). Finally, it covers the cognitive and social aspects of Cybernetic art and theory in the way that the eye reacts realistically to the viewer. Looking away coyly when the viewer stares too long, rapidly moving eye around different parts of the face, and blinking after the viewer are all cognitive and psychosocial reactions to eye-to-eye human interaction. You probably don't realize it, but we all do this every time we make eye contact with another person.

I would even compare this art work to Avant-Garde issues in the art world, for I would definitely say this creation fits under the Avant-Garde definition umbrella of "experimental and innovative". It fulfills these requirements simply because of the fact that I don't think anyone has tackled these themes of spectatorship before from the other side. Since when has an art piece ever observed you as you observed it? 

      My personal opinion and take on the Opto-Isolator is very positive. I think this is an extremely interesting and unique take on spectating that most people don't even think about. It allows us to get a glimpse of what we're doing when we're observing. We obviously can't see what our eyes are doing when we look at people, and this piece provides a kind of window into this unseen facet of human psychosocial actions. I also find the way that it is made from a mechanical standpoint to be interesting. Standard Robot Company was responsible for the mechanics and robotics that make the eye blink and move, for example. All in all, the Opto-Isolator is an art installation that I want to experience myself, because I feel that each viewer will takeaway a different feeling from having this small mechanical eye stare directly into their own.