A new exhibition, “ICAT: Open at the Source,” at the Moss Arts Center showcases two projects that demonstrate the powerful synergies resulting from the integration of science, technology, and the arts.

“SeeMore,” a kinetic sculpture that visually demonstrates parallel computation will be on display in the Ruth C. Horton Gallery May 3-18. A second project, the “Nano Pod Project,” will be shown in the Cube May 7-18. The interactive “Nano Pod Project” uses complex animations on 3-D forms and sound to simulate artificial intelligence.

“SeeMore” is an ongoing project from Sam Blanchard, an assistant professor of sculpture in the School of Visual Arts at Virginia Tech and Kirk Cameron, a professor in Virginia Tech’s Department of Computer Science. The large-scale kinetic piece combines sculpture and computation. The sculpture incorporates 256 Raspberry Pi computers — inexpensive mini computers slightly larger than a credit card — assembled on a framework and mounted on articulated mechanical arms. 

The resulting sculpture moves as the individual computers process information, visually illustrating the concept of data flowing through the computers and demonstrating some of the more conceptual and invisible elements of computer science.

 

“SeeMore” was supported through grants from the National Science Foundation and Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology.

The “Nano Pod Project,” being shown in the Cube, was created by Thomas Tucker, an associate professor in Virginia Tech’s School of Visual Arts, in collaboration with Tohm Judson, an assistant professor of music and digital arts from Winston-Salem State University. The interactive project consists of high definition projections of complex animations onto more than 20, 3-D forms in the Cube. These animations are woven together with interactive sound, video, and motion capture to simulate artificial intelligence.

The galleries in the Moss Arts Center are open Wednesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parking for the Moss Arts Center is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Event parking for visitors is $5. Event passes may be purchased in advance through the Center for the Arts box office or when entering the garage on event evenings. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

 

 

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