An interactive, museum-sized art installation about our species’ superiority complex. Inside the Specimen Box, you become the animal you are!
What's It About? We humans like to think we’re somehow superior to other animals but, as most biologists will tell you, we’re just another species with a few clever skills. Does it matter if we think we’re superior? I think it does and that’s why I’m making Specimen Box.
I fell in love many times during this project - with the curve of a wing, the perfection of a claw, the pattern of a skin. I’d like to share that joy with you. But Specimen Box isn’t just about looking at interesting animals. It’s about being looked at as the animal you are.
What Is It? Specimen Box is a museum-sized, interactive art installation. The “Specimen Box” is a sort of room-within-a-room, with images of around 1,000 different species - from worms to whales - covering every surface. Wide-angle video cameras are hidden in the walls, floor and ceiling. When you’re inside the Specimen Box you see lots of fascinating creatures. When you’re outside the Specimen Box you see huge video screens showing the human animals inside as they peer into hidden lenses. There are also large framed prints, a video, a sound installation and a catalog.
Who's It For? Specimen Box is for everyone – from people with PhD’s to people who are still in primary school. Children love looking at the animals inside the Specimen Box. Absolutely anyone can have fun with Specimen Box.
How Will My Pledge Be Spent? The photography, video and sound installation for Specimen Box are already complete. Your pledge goes directly to the construction of the installation. Tiny, hidden video cameras and large projection screens are needed, along with an elevated, structural glass floor, LED-lighting, the materials for the Specimen Box itself, and lots more. An architect has designed the Specimen Box down to the last light bulb but the design stays top-secret until the exhibition opens. Biology types from all over the world helped me track down unusual species and arranged access for me to photograph them. Everyone contributed their time and skills for free because they’re passionate about this project. But bringing Specimen Box to life needs you.
Where can I see Specimen Box? Specimen Box has confirmed New York City exhibition dates at Kim Foster Gallery in the Chelsea art district. (Yay Kim!) From there, I’m working on getting it to museums throughout the galaxy. Of course it will have its own website too.
U2 Specimen Box has already generated lots of excitement. Help make it happen and become part of it. You’re an animal. Specimen Box is about you!
Samples and Other Stuff You can see some samples from Specimen Box on my website at http://www.studiocyberia.com. Some of my other series can be a little, umm…. challenging. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
FAQ
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26
Backers
$2,650
pledged of $18,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on July 11, 2010.
Funding period
Apr 12, 2010 -
Jul 11, 2010
- First created · 4 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
- Website: studiocyberia.com
Pledge $10 or more
4 backers
Your name included as a sponsor at the Specimen Box exhibition PLUS an invitation to the Specimen Box opening reception. These are included with every pledge.
Pledge $15 or more
2 backers
All $10 rewards PLUS: Personally addressed, hand-written thank-you postcard from the Specimen Box series – signed by the artist.
Pledge $25 or more
0 backers Limited (50 of 50 left)
All $15 rewards PLUS: Screen saver made by artist of 10 animals (chosen by you!) from Specimen Box PLUS: you get to choose the next available Daily Creature Feature (see Project Updates for details) - your favorite creature, or your least favorite creature, or anything in between.
Pledge $50 or more
3 backers Limited (47 of 50 left)
All $25 rewards PLUS: Personally addressed Invitation to private, post-reception after-party PLUS Sponsor credit in exhibition catalog.
Pledge $100 or more
4 backers Limited (26 of 30 left)
All $50 rewards PLUS 1 signed copy of exhibition catalog.
Pledge $150 or more
0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
$100 reward PLUS meet artist for a cocktail in New York City.
Pledge $200 or more
0 backers Limited (6 of 6 left)
Your choice of: a) I'll retouch any 4 of your digital images to a top-level professional standard - your pictures will look their absolute best and will be ready for online publication or commercial printing. OR b) A 2 hour private lesson in beginning/advanced digital photography or lighting techniques – given by the artist. Camera skills, lighting techniques, set design, portraiture skills, post-production, retouching techniques, portfolio review - one-on-one problem solving with an experienced professional artist and photographer to help you get the most out of your photography.
Pledge $250 or more
4 backers
Your choice of one original (8.5”x6”) fine art print from Specimen Box exhibition, signed by artist (gallery price for same print = $500 after exhibition opens).
Pledge $500 or more
1 backer Limited (1 of 2 left)
Professional photographic portrait of you or your pet (any species, including human) – made by the artist.
Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Photographic portrait of your pet (must be non-human) to be included in the Specimen Box exhibition – made by the artist. Plus you get an original, signed print of this piece from the exhibition.
Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)
Your choice of one original 40”x 50” fine art print from Specimen Box exhibition, signed by artist (gallery price for same print = $10,000 after exhibition opens)
