Among the earliest records of art making are hand prints outlined in color on cavern walls created by people thirty thousand years ago. We might consider these early cave paintings the “new media art” of prehistoric times. Inspired by these pieces, Philippe Safire designed a digital version in the form of a custom application displayed on a multi-touch screen. If the viewer puts their hand on the screen, an animation of colored pixels encircles the fingers and palm. Once the hand is removed, the outline continues sparkling before disappearing. Safire invites the public to collaborate in generating unique artwork. As part of the series, the exhibition also includes a set of lenticular prints, projected animation, an internet installation and social media component. Conceived as a participatory event, CREATE features hand prints created by participants — to enjoy within and beyond the gallery space. The exhibition explores the creative process and the ephemeral quality of the digital medium.

Philippe Safire is a French-Armenian artist living and working in New York City. Recent projects include SPELL, an award-winning short film that received international recognition, and nightcolors, a public art installation in Beacon, New York. His art has been exhibited at LACDA, ArtsWestchester Gallery, REVERSE Gallery, BeaconArts, Garrison Art Center, New York University, and the Center for the Digital Arts, among other places. Recent commissions include BeaconArts and ArtsWestchester. Safire’s work has been featured in VICE Magazine + Intel’s The Creators Project, The Ascent, Faena Sphere, ArtSlant, BX200 The Bronx Visual Artist Database, Make: Magazine, Manifeste des Arts Immersifs, and the Brooklyn Art Project.

#createcolors

PORTFOLIO: philippe-safire.net/create
INSTAGRAM: @philippesafirestudio
TWITTER: @philippesafire