Practical Optics
Caitlin Horsmon
September 2nd, 2016, 7-10pm

Practical Optics transforms Front/Space into a camera obscura, an optical device that creates a projection of the outside world directly into a darkened room using the sun as a light source and a pinhole on the window to create the image. The reengagement of this simple pre-photographic technique explores mechanized vision and monocular perspective and reflects on the many machines through which we see the world. Based on the simple principle that light travels in a straight line this viewing machine brings the textures of everyday life into the gallery while revealing the physical geometries of vision.



In conjunction with the show there was also a variety of workshops, performances, screenings and talks, led by Horsmon and many collaborators including pinhole camera workshops (both still and moving image), construction of portable camera obscuras, drawing workshop, optical toy workshop and more.

About Cailtlin Horsmon:
Caitlin Horsmon is an artist, curator and teacher based in Kansas City Missouri. She is one of six artists who make up the curatorial collaboration and artist-run space Plug Projects and is the Associate Professor of Film & Media Arts at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her work is distributed by The Collectif Jeune Cinéma.