The Machine
Wellington 2017
Meg Rollandi, Andrew Simpson, Nick Zwart
A machine that creates discourse and dialog, a generator of critique, a performer in a feedback loop and the subject of the critical response. Two modes of performance. First, the mechanical performance through physical manipulation of machinery to propel parts of the machine that stamp, press, transfer, scratch, and stencil words onto a roll of paper, creating sentences that become critique. The second mode, a theatrical performance or oratory delivery of the text that has been generated. In the tradition of deconstructed Dadaist poetry, the sentences produced from the machine are comprised of common phrases and terminology used in the critique, discussion and descriptions of creative works. Mixed, re-arranged, and reproduced on the large rolls of paper, these phrases are combined without the direct contact of the artist.
Meg Rollandi is an artist and designer working across live performance, video and installation art as well as theatre
and dance.
Andrew Simpson is a sound and multimedia designer, audio engineer, video editor and musician.
Nick Zwart is a set and lighting builder and designer.
Meg and Andrew began a creative collaboration in 2014 as part of the 2014 Bats STAB commission WATCH. Their first work Soapboxes was presented at The Performance Arcade 2016 and Wellington Sculpture Trust PARKing day. They continue to be interested in making work that celebrates the discursive potential of art and have decided to make a machine - this time bringing on board long time collaborator and machine enthusiast, Nick Zwart.
<a href=http://www.tb.megrollandi.com
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Supported by the Public Art Fund, Wellington City Council