Matchbox Gallery to exhibit ‘Viral Ox Added’

FROM RICE NEWS STAFF REPORTS

			Matchbox Gallery — Rice’s student-run art space in the basement of Sewall Hall — will exhibit a new work titled “Viral Ox Added” by Jones College senior Andrew Zukoski Feb. 25-March 20.

Matchbox Gallery — Rice’s student-run art space in the basement of Sewall Hall — will exhibit a new work titled “Viral Ox Added” by Jones College senior Andrew Zukoski Feb. 25-March 20. An opening reception will be held Feb. 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the gallery.

“Viral Ox Added” is based on the academic modeling of social networks. The image pixels are treated as individuals that interact based on an algorithm borrowed from the field of social networking. The changes in the images over time are a result of both the previous image state and the influence of its neighbors. Just like in a real social network, this work of art has interaction. Sometimes the interaction is competitive and sometimes it is collaborative. The changes are presented as moving images on modest LCD screens.

Zukoski’s work is a product of his recent studies at the Australian National University. He has returned to Rice to finish his studies in electrical engineering and the visual arts.

“Viral Ox Added” is the second of four exhibitions scheduled at Matchbox this spring. Aside from the opening reception, the gallery is open by appointment only. E-mail Logan Beck at logansbeck@gmail.com to request a viewing.