Artist to discuss ‘Conflict Theory’ project

CONTACT: Franz Brotzen
PHONE: 713-348-6775
E-MAIL: franz.brotzen@rice.edu

Artist to discuss ‘Conflict Theory’ project
Jan. 25 at Rice University’s Media Center

Artist and Rice University faculty member Christopher Sperandio will present a free public lecture on his latest collaborative artwork, titled “Conflict Theory,” Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Rice Media Center’s film auditorium, located on the Rice campus near Entrance 8 at Stockton Street and University Boulevard. For directions, go to http://www.rice.edu/maps/maps.html.

From August to November 2010, Sperandio and his longtime collaborator, British artist Simon Grennan, served as the Witt Artists-in-Residence in the School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan. During that time, they developed “Conflict Theory” as a large, interactive and playable game made in direct collaboration with more than 45 project participants.

The project, commissioned for the University of Michigan, brought together U. of M. students and Ann Arbor residents to create a large-scale war game set in the context of a model of the city.

Sperandio, who is also assistant professor of visual and dramatic arts at Rice, will present an illustrated lecture on the project. In addition, a short documentary film on new artwork, directed by Houston native Sharad Patel, will be screened. The presentation will be followed by a reception.

The event is open to the public. For more information, call 713-348-4882.

Members of the news media who want to attend the lecture should RSVP to Franz Brotzen at franz.brotzen@rice.edu or 713-348-6775.