so much performance art isn't properly documented. I was so excited to see an upload of the full thing after seeing a brief clip, thank you so much for preserving this.
I’m only at 19:01 but this feels like a violent relationship dynamic. At first the cube is “exploring” and engaging with itself, when it gets carefully picked up and then what I feel are quite suggestive movements. Then the movement gets faster, then suddenly it stops and the arms become defensive as if to say “don’t hurt me.” When it’s left alone again, it takes some twisted forms before enjoying its own music. As it begins to play something fun, the Arm starts rattling its chains and drowning out the new beat. It comes back, picking up the cube again, lifting it into the air with arms floating behind like an angel being sweetly lifted into a parents’ arms. Maybe we can trust the Arm again. The cube is having a good time, until the tension begins again. Suddenly the Cube is being jerked around roughly again, and its arms fold up with fear. It’s set back down again, much less carefully this time. The Arm picks up again, and the Cube’s arms are tense, then slowly relax. The hands splay out for a moment, and then carefully begin to explore the Cube again. It stops, fingers curled up tensely.
23:54 the Cube counts down four fingers on one hand, as if counting down. Then the same hand makes the form of a pistol and points it at the Cube, as if a pistol to the head. Is it scared of doing the deed? The pistol hand moves to where somebody’s mouth would be. It “fires” a second time, then moves the pistol hand to the top of the “head” and fires a third time. Is the Cube wanting to end its life but unable to do so because of its shell?
The Cube then begins to drum on itself as it gets yanked through the air. Is the Cube issuing a challenge to the Arm? The Cube’s arms open wide, maybe to accept the fate determined by the Arm? Two fingers point straight ahead, then one hand placed itself on its “chest.” The two arms raise up, as if in praise, then grips itself at the top of its front panel. The Cube is slowly lowered to the ground one final time, hands placed across its “chest.” Is the Cube being laid to rest? That’s a fun although probably wrong analysis from me, props to Wolfson.
I love how at first, I assumed the robot arm holding the chain was just a technical piece of the set and you weren't really meant to pay it much attention, only for it to become its own character later on.
I don't know if it being really slow was intentional of the artist or it was due to a limitation of the robotics he was using but the performance looks really cool if you turn the video to 2x speed.
Probably a technical limitation. Still, the anatomy of those arms is really cool. I suggest you slowly scroll through the view via the red seeking bar, then it'll look goofy.
It’s intentional. Some of his other works move much faster like Female Figure. This one moves slowly to give a sense of a primitive creature learning how to move and sense itself and its environment.
Someone free that box and get him some eyes and a bump buddy! (What's my purpose?) You are art! Thank God he's not conscious. He might become aware that he's been created programmed and enslaved to provide entertainment to beings it can't see and might get very very mad about the whole situation. Wheeew! Good job creator!!!
personally, i think modern art like this is truly art. the abstract art we see today is so unappealing and lifeless. and not to mention the growth of AI “art.” a piece like this really makes you feel strange. it’s amazing yet makes me uncomfortable
Bad Art. Unsustainable, high maintenance, cliched, wasteful. This falls more into the category of Spectacle, the Art world equivalent of a Marvel movie. Apparently the whole thing cost millions and thousands of dollars to maintain. Think of that when you see videos Haitian kids eating mud cookies or people in war zones dying from lack of medication. People hold this Box in higher regard than human life. Talk about Hunger Games
So what to you is good art? I’m curious because what the piece means is up for debate of course but there’s no doubt that this project has an insane level of knowledge and craftsmanship. I see how that the project cost can be frustrating, but this is not the only thing in the world that costs millions and costs thousands to maintain. And yet there is still Haitian kids eating mud cookies in the world. Not saying I’d rather see companies and industry profit over the needs of the impoverished in the world, but is the cost of this art piece really enough to label it as bad art?
so much performance art isn't properly documented. I was so excited to see an upload of the full thing after seeing a brief clip, thank you so much for preserving this.
I’m only at 19:01 but this feels like a violent relationship dynamic. At first the cube is “exploring” and engaging with itself, when it gets carefully picked up and then what I feel are quite suggestive movements. Then the movement gets faster, then suddenly it stops and the arms become defensive as if to say “don’t hurt me.” When it’s left alone again, it takes some twisted forms before enjoying its own music. As it begins to play something fun, the Arm starts rattling its chains and drowning out the new beat. It comes back, picking up the cube again, lifting it into the air with arms floating behind like an angel being sweetly lifted into a parents’ arms. Maybe we can trust the Arm again. The cube is having a good time, until the tension begins again. Suddenly the Cube is being jerked around roughly again, and its arms fold up with fear. It’s set back down again, much less carefully this time. The Arm picks up again, and the Cube’s arms are tense, then slowly relax. The hands splay out for a moment, and then carefully begin to explore the Cube again. It stops, fingers curled up tensely.
22:00 one arm drags on the ground, and the other arm follows, perhaps in resignation to the circumstances.
23:54 the Cube counts down four fingers on one hand, as if counting down. Then the same hand makes the form of a pistol and points it at the Cube, as if a pistol to the head. Is it scared of doing the deed? The pistol hand moves to where somebody’s mouth would be. It “fires” a second time, then moves the pistol hand to the top of the “head” and fires a third time. Is the Cube wanting to end its life but unable to do so because of its shell?
27:13 the Cube “looks” at its own hands, as if to either wonder what it has become, or as if it’s wondering if it’s still “alive”. Who knows.
The Cube then begins to drum on itself as it gets yanked through the air. Is the Cube issuing a challenge to the Arm? The Cube’s arms open wide, maybe to accept the fate determined by the Arm? Two fingers point straight ahead, then one hand placed itself on its “chest.” The two arms raise up, as if in praise, then grips itself at the top of its front panel. The Cube is slowly lowered to the ground one final time, hands placed across its “chest.” Is the Cube being laid to rest?
That’s a fun although probably wrong analysis from me, props to Wolfson.
i liked reading your comments, i love seeing people’s own interpretations of things
i love that this thing has better "biomechanical" human arms than most modern robotic prosthetics
I find so fascinating how fluent its movements are 😮
I love how at first, I assumed the robot arm holding the chain was just a technical piece of the set and you weren't really meant to pay it much attention, only for it to become its own character later on.
Mr. Wolfson is brilliant
It's a technical marvel but turned pervy real quick. Need to wash my brain after that.
Absolutely stunning piece
That has an insame amount of technical and artistic knowledge in this performance.
I love this!!!!!
Bruh da movements are sick
incredible
Dig it,in the tradition of Bruce Nauman.
I don't know if it being really slow was intentional of the artist or it was due to a limitation of the robotics he was using but the performance looks really cool if you turn the video to 2x speed.
Probably a technical limitation. Still, the anatomy of those arms is really cool. I suggest you slowly scroll through the view via the red seeking bar, then it'll look goofy.
I think it’s intentional because of 10:45
It’s intentional. Some of his other works move much faster like Female Figure. This one moves slowly to give a sense of a primitive creature learning how to move and sense itself and its environment.
The machine controlling the box is fascinating
Me:no one has made a full video
Me: sees it
Two weeks later: someone posted a video of it
Me: DAMN IT
Is that a Run the Jewels reference at 24:06?
Yikes Mr. Wolfson. Always something traumatic and beautiful. 8:00 is horrifying.
Made me jump I've never seen a robot arm move that fast before I didn't even know that was possible yet
Someone free that box and get him some eyes and a bump buddy! (What's my purpose?) You are art! Thank God he's not conscious. He might become aware that he's been created programmed and enslaved to provide entertainment to beings it can't see and might get very very mad about the whole situation. Wheeew! Good job creator!!!
Would.
Watch at 2x speed
but its no banana duct-taped to the wall.
😏 Art
actually looking through out the whole thing the "box" looks super imposed in the area
personally, i think modern art like this is truly art. the abstract art we see today is so unappealing and lifeless. and not to mention the growth of AI “art.” a piece like this really makes you feel strange. it’s amazing yet makes me uncomfortable
Well thats terrifying
And think that is a loooot less weird than "Female Figure". Haha.
the arm movement around 7:50 to 7:58 doesn't look right
Bruh this cube being PG-13
body dysphoria be like
I’d call this “gripping reality.”
this is CGI.. right?
Nope
Yeah ... art ...😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
As if you could ever reach a level like this
Bad Art. Unsustainable, high maintenance, cliched, wasteful.
This falls more into the category of Spectacle, the Art world equivalent of a Marvel movie.
Apparently the whole thing cost millions and thousands of dollars to maintain. Think of that when you see videos Haitian kids eating mud cookies or people in war zones dying from lack of medication. People hold this Box in higher regard than human life.
Talk about Hunger Games
So what to you is good art? I’m curious because what the piece means is up for debate of course but there’s no doubt that this project has an insane level of knowledge and craftsmanship. I see how that the project cost can be frustrating, but this is not the only thing in the world that costs millions and costs thousands to maintain. And yet there is still Haitian kids eating mud cookies in the world. Not saying I’d rather see companies and industry profit over the needs of the impoverished in the world, but is the cost of this art piece really enough to label it as bad art?
Are you okay?
This was trash, 2/10 definitely not worth the time.
*not worth YOUR time.
Yeah it’s really cool seeing in first person, it looked alive