This LED Sign is a thought depository. Every letter, word and word string is evidence of an active transformation. Gather a thought, type the letters into words, pitch it forth into the dark sea of cyberspace where it multiplies indefinitely.

This accumulation of anonymous thought exists in a tiny slice of cyberspace sandwiched between two connecting points: the screen/sign and the camera, both of which are directly connected to the internet. The "air" between the camera and the sign is charged by our knowledge of it as a kind of electronic leak—a cyber slip—that allows us to more easily comprehend how far thoughts, no matter how insignificant or inane, can travel via the internet.

Similarly, we want to expand the the reach of an art opening and exhibition. The experience of using and viewing the LED sign on-line delivers a thrill equal, at least, to being able to watch the sign in person. At this point in time, when more and more "real-life" activity is giving way to on-line experiences, emblems like the LED offer valuable insight into the direction of the future. By placing the sign in the context of an art gallery, we hope to isolate some of its significant meaning beyond the generally humorous/profane phrases humans tend to post. We believe that the sign, as well as the internet itself, shows us something true about our comic-tragic "nature" which should naturally be viewed in the context of art.

As human expression travels digitally across the web, we get a glimpse of the possibility for a digitalization of conscienceness. As frightening to some as it is exciting to others, the structure and expansion of the web looks more and more organic each day, and so it seems no coincidence that it would become more entangled with the constant stream of conscious thoughts that feed it. This, in tandem with the growing tension between physical "space" and cyber "space," gives the concrete impression of an evolutionary direction. It's certainly possible—and in fact likely—that the currently less satisfying experience of the "virtual" in cyberspace will become strong enough to fuse with, and eventual overtake, what we commonly accept as reality in our current phase of conscious existence.

The evolutionary line from thought to language reflects an expansion of mental existence—from an isolated entity to a state of mutual perception—and all the while tends, like art itself, towards the accuracy and efficiency of communication. For this reason in particular, we wanted to present the sign as an "artwork" in a gallery. While it is overtly entertaining to read the random messages left on the sign, the depthier effect of this art is generated by what computer code makes possible. The technological workings of the LED sign—and the programming language that gives the sign life—considered in conjunction with the human thoughts it broadcasts, invites a deeper look at the relationships spoken/written language and computer languages/codes. Human language is easily read yet its meanings are always somehow sloppy and inadequate. Computer languages, by contrast, though incomprehensible to the current human majority, are much more efficient and complete than their spoken predecessors. The meanings transmitted by computer languages reveal real greater possibilities for reaching direct resolve with their intentions and effects. It is noteworthy that the ineffable languages of contemporary written poetry and visual art strive to operate in much the same way, yet their traditional forms and methods seem to be waning in their ability to create lasting impact. Realizing this, we should perhaps anticipate that the future of creativity—and art in general—lies within "the makings" of cyberspace, and at least partially—if not completely—in the elegant new languages of machines.

Ben Bloch
Caroline Peters