Confusio Linguarum

mixed media

2020

24" x 24" x 42"

Confusio Linguarum (or the "confusion of tongues") refers to the multiplicity of language. This piece explores how the concept of "unrest" was reported with numerous contradictory English words to suit a narrative. The drawing is a sanitized version of unrest used in cartoons. Confusio Linguarum was originally designed to be a hand-cranked mutoscope animation, but pandemic protocols compelled me to incorporate a pressure sensitive foot switch instead. This mutoscope is now installed in an undisclosed location in Detroit.

From Hatchback 14 catalog:

Andy has a unique skill. Previously he was a video game repairman, fixing a teen's havoc released by pixels on a screen. His knowledge of joysticks, buttons, gears, and electronics translates into fascinating interactive art. He strips the increasingly complex joy of gaming to its basic elements-- push button, make it go. It still captures the thrill of knowing that you are in charge, and that your experience will be slightly different every time, and the thrill of accomplishing an arbitrary goal. Stop now! Yes!

Hatchback 14, 2020, HATCH Art Gallery, Hamtramck, MI

NFS