Gregory Barsamian: Time and Transformation at UMMA

Thursday, 01 June 2006 13:09

Ann Arbor, MI - Internationally acclaimed New York-based artist Gregory Barsamian creates three-dimensional animated sculptures that explore the language of the subconscious and celebrate the nature of dreams.  In this exhibition—the inaugural show at UMMA Off/Site—several of the artist’s major kinetic sculptures illustrate the scientific principle of the persistence of vision, which is the phenomenon by which the human brain "fills in the blanks" between sequential images seen in rapid succession, creating an illusion of continuous motion.  This phenomenon is most commonly exemplified by motion pictures and film.  Utilizing rotating mechanical armatures and synchronized strobe lights, Barsamian creates works of art that seem to, inexplicably, morph familiar objects in unexpected ways to suggest visual narratives of the mind.

Barsamian's sculptures are derived from a personal study of his own dreams.  Since 1983 he has kept a tape recorder next to his bed so that he can immediately record the content and imagery of his dreams upon waking.  He finds three-dimensional animation the perfect medium to explore the mysterious world of the human subconscious.  This project is made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.  Additional support for this exhibition has been provided by the University of Michigan Credit Union and Michigan Radio. June 25 through September 17 at UMMA Off/Site.

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