Discs for Joseph Plateau’s Phenakistoscope from the early 1800s.
(Loveland Hall, Edinboro, PA – September 22, 2024)
A Sunday reception opens Optical Marvels, a show of proto-cinematic devices inspired by 19th-century parlor amusements. Toys like the thaumatrope and phenakistiscope were popular entertainments which depend on the ability of the human eye to retain two images at once. Philm senior KT Reihner explores this “persistence of vision” phenomenon in a collection on display this week in Loveland Hall’s Bates Gallery.
The show combines Reihner’s two passions: the history of movie technology and found object art. “I’ve always been fascinated by the mechanics and historical context behind technological innovations. Dismantling traditional barriers to art – such as the need for costly supplies and materials – is also important to me. The majority of these pieces are created from found items.”
At center stage is a 3D zoetrope modeled on the work of prominent artist Kevin Holmes. Reihner’s version of the zoetrope is constructed from a ceiling fan, peg board, and a series of 3D-printed figures. The figures are staged around the perimeter of the apparatus to create the illusion of animation in real time. “The spinning mechanism went through so many iterations,” said Reihner. “Eventually my dad had the idea to use a ceiling fan that had recently been taken down and was on its way to the dump”
The majority of the show is interactive and guests are encouraged to pick up and play with each of the devices, Reihner will be showing live demonstrations of the 3D zoetrope in action periodically between now and the exhibition’s September 27 closing date.