Art Review: World Wild Web @ Furtherfield Gallery

Tabish Khan
By Tabish Khan Last edited 137 months ago
Art Review: World Wild Web @ Furtherfield Gallery
Genetic Moo, Animacules. Image courtesy of the Furtherfield Gallery.
Genetic Moo, Animacules. Image courtesy of the Furtherfield Gallery.
Dominic Smith, Shredder. Image courtesy of the Furtherfield Gallery.
Dominic Smith, Shredder. Image courtesy of the Furtherfield Gallery.
Sarah Waterson, Laika's Derive - The dogs de Tour. Image courtesy of the Furtherfield Gallery.
Sarah Waterson, Laika's Derive - The dogs de Tour. Image courtesy of the Furtherfield Gallery.
Helen Varley Jamieson & Paula Crutchlow, Dave's Quiz. Image courtesy of the Furtherfield Gallery.
Helen Varley Jamieson & Paula Crutchlow, Dave's Quiz. Image courtesy of the Furtherfield Gallery.
Andy Deck, Crow_Sourcing. Image courtesy of the Furtherfield Gallery.
Andy Deck, Crow_Sourcing. Image courtesy of the Furtherfield Gallery.

Nestled in the heart of Finsbury Park is the Furtherfield Gallery dedicated to highlighting the crossover between art and technology — a genre that continues to grow in popularity.

Its latest exhibition features six artworks that are extremely diverse yet share a knowing sense of humour and are a tribute to geekdom. This is clearly evident in Dominic Smith's work where he has composted coffee beans and software manuals to become a food source for growing mushrooms. By using two of the staples of the 'classic computer nerd' he casts off the old stereotype that has given way to the all encompassing nature of technological advancement and the shift in how computer users are seen today.

Andy Deck's barcode animal menagerie is even more bizarre. Visitors are invited to use a reader to scan a barcode beneath an animal silhouette. This brings up a list of phrases from around the world, including many that you may not have heard of. 'May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your armpits' seemed very specific to us and made us wonder whether camels are any more flea-ridden than other animals.

Our favourite work has to be Animacules by Genetic Moo. Viewers are confronted with a blue circle on the floor, but on shining a torchlight upon it animals in the 'water' will rise up from the depths and migrate towards the light. It's a technologically impressive and magical effect that is entertaining for children and adults alike.

The role of technology in art continues to grow and this exhibition, with its balance of innovation and humour, is an example of how productive this partnership can be.

World Wild Web is on display at the Furtherfield Gallery, McKenzie Pavilion, Finsbury Park, N4 2NQ until 1 December. Admission is free.

Last Updated 21 October 2012