Quick Response: Various

2013 FEBRUARYQuick ResponseFebruary 1 - 23, 2013[portfolio_slideshow height=500]You always wonder if the newest technology is here to stay or is it just a fleeting trend. Quick Response Code, aka QR code, was originally designed for the automotive industry, but has become popular in mass media. we see it everywhere, offering quick access to websites, deals, and specials for businesses. But surely there can be other uses for it, and since we don’t know if this will stay like the dvd or fall out of fashion like the laser disk, lets use it for art.

For February 2013, Practice will present Quick Response, an exhibition utilizing QR codes to view live performances by artists from around the world. During First Friday, February 1st, artists will live stream their performances via a webcam at their chosen location, and viewers in the gallery can scan the QR codes in the gallery and view the performances on their smart phone. The artist performs for an unseen audience, and the viewer is physically removed from the artwork. The performances will only be seen on First Friday, and each artist's performance time it slightly different. So come by this Friday only for the fun!What will our artists be doing?On Uncertain Terms by Elena BajoPerformers: Elena Basteri, Claire Cote, Mariama Diagne, Catherine Duquette, Nathalie Ponneau, Raquel Rivera | Sara Summa the site is an old building undergoing renovation the artist occupies the building and its present state of affairs, the present situation the building is a temporary reclaimed space the building becomes a temporary studio the building produces artwork the artwork is the building and its processes, with references to the past and relationships to the present-future the artwork is in constant flux the performance frames the moment tomorrow will be another day LOCATION Los Angeles HOURS 6pm-6:20pm, and then it will be recorded & accessible until 10 pmDreamscape by Takehito EtaniThe artist reads excerpts of his dream journal along with images projected onto his face. LOCATION Oakland, CA HOURS 8:30pm - 11:00pmAll Desirable Positions by Zerek KempfAll desirable positions is the performance of a stagehand who maneuvers out of frame, a residual body concealed behind the theater curtain. Using a custom-built, movable webcam, Kempf relocates the camera within the space of his studio using images, paintings, and objects to edit the live video feed. LOCATION Brooklyn, NY HOURS Doors open at 6:00pm Performance scheduled for 7:30pm - 10:00pmTuning Forks by Ben KinsleyDowsing is a form of divination traditionally used to locate ground water, precious metals, oil, gravesites, and many other objects (including answers to Yes/No questions).  L shaped dowsing rods are commonly used to assist in the process by making visible movements corresponding to findings. As a dowser in training I am using this opportunity to practice and hone my dowsing skills. From 6-10pm I will be continuously asking the rods if someone is watching. When the rods close or cross it denotes a "no" response [ / \ = NO]. When the rods open or point away from each other it denotes a "yes" response [ \ / = YES]. Keep in mind there will likely be a slight delay on the video feed. This is a test. This is only a test. LOCATION Washington, DC HOURS 6:00pm - 10:00pmLilly and Daisy's Showdown with the California Sun by Lilly McElroyWith the help of Daisy, her trusty Red Ryder Carbine, Lilly McElroy attempts to take on Los Angeles's most powerful presence, The Sun. LOCATION Los Angeles, CA right off the Santa Monica Pier HOURS 6:00pm - 9:00pm (The Sun sets around 5:15pm Pacific Time in Los Angeles.)Encyclopedia by Dan PriceJoin the artist in his home as he draws pictures, prepares tea and takes phone calls. LOCATION Chicago, IL HOURS 6:00pm - 10:00pmBonsai Knot Extraction by James ShamA team of Bonsai experts demonstrate the delicate custom of Bonsai Knot Extraction, a process where knots are harvested from the lumber of bonsai trees for ritual and medicinal value. LOCATION Washington, DC HOURS 7:00pm - 10:00pmFor the rest of the month, a recording of First Friday and participating artists' website will be available to smart phones. PRACTICE is open to the public on First Fridays and on Saturdays from 2-6pm. If you would like to drop by some other time to view the exhibition please e-mail info@practicegallery.org for an appointment.