Art Now! Speakers' Series: David Rokeby

David Rokeby: Very Nervous System

David Rokeby

David Rokeby is an internationally renowned artist and Governor General’s award-winner based in Toronto. His work has been performed and exhibited across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia, including The National Gallery of Canada, the Whitney Museum in New York and the Venice Biennale of Art. On the occasion of his exhibition at McIntosh Gallery, he will be speaking about his work.

Very Nervous System - David Rokeby

Starting March 19th, his project Very Nervous System (1983-2004) will be on view at the McIntosh Gallery. Curated by Jesse Stewart, this piece is a landmark interactive sound installation that has no visual component. Instead, it uses video surveillance technology, synthesizers, a sound system, computers, and image-processing software to translate movement into music and/or sound. The gallery will appear to be empty, but when visitors pass through it, their movements will be converted into sounds that are played back to them through speakers. Visitors can “sculpt” the sound through a dynamic process of experimentation, improvisation and play. Rokeby has called VNS a “transforming mirror” that reflects and refracts our actions in space and time as well as our embodied sense of self.

Please join us to hear Rokeby speak about his engaging practice prior to the exhibition's opening reception at McIntosh Gallery  at 8PM.

Presented by the Department of Visual Arts in partnership with the McIntosh Gallery.

Thursday, March 19, 2015 > 7:00PM > NCB-113


This Artist talk is part of Art Now!, a course offered by the Department of Visual Arts at Western University. The course focuses on current contemporary art production, both locally, nationally and internationally. The Winter 2015 Series “FREEDOM!??” is organized by Kelly Jazvac.


All Artist Talks are FREE and OPEN to the Public!

See the full list of our upcoming visiting artists: 2015 Winter Speakers' Series