BigBots: Garth Zeglin
Shelter
This new kinetic fabric sculpture by Garth Zeglin comprises two animated silk tents suspended concentrically over a round couch. The colorful conical tents evoke the form of circus tents, but they can spin back and forth or twirl in counterpoint, catching the air and creating a cozy haven of light and shadow.
The piece will be installed in the International Poetry and Quiet Reading Room at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Main in Oakland. The translucent moving silk and whimsical motion invites the visitor to come sit underneath it on the couch and experience the piece at close hand; it becomes a sanctuary, a colorful, peaceful shelter in the midst of the library. And the piece is actually a fabric robot; it is controlled by discreet sensors and computers which allow the behavior to evolve over time and respond to a visitor's touch or a change in the lighting.
Garth Zeglin
Garth Zeglin is both a roboticist and artist. In his research at Carnegie Mellon, he has created walking and hopping robots and is now working with a compliant hand. He also has incorporated his technical skills into an art practice which has included motion sensitive dance costumes, talking mirrors, suspended fabric machines, a robotic bagpipe, and participatory performances which transform audience input into image and sound. His work and performances have been shown in diverse venues including the Andy Warhol Museum, the Pittsburgh Children's Museum, and the DeCordova Museum in Massachusetts.
Location: The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Helpful Hints: This BigBot can be found on the 2nd floor of the main branch of the Carnegie Library in Oakland.
