All of Ganson’s machines begin with rough to detailed sketches. Click on drawing for larger view. 
ARTHUR GANSON IS AN ARTIST WHO MAKES COMPLEX, KINETIC MACHINES with an existentialist approach. Unlike the whimsey machines of Rube Goldberg, Ganson’s machines take on more than just movement. With Ganson, you can get the feeling that you are witnessing subtle messages on the failed and fragile human condition—isolation, hopelessness, manipulation and the sometimes mundane repetition of life.
I selected this particular machine to show you because, as Ganson writes, it was made from a discarded baby doll that Ganson picked up along a road. I like it because of the subtle movement. Viewed from above, the baby doll (representative of man), is laid bare on an altar-like pedestal of stiff wires, it’s creepy movement slowly controlled by unseen forces. It’s a Frankenstein-like effect, a sacrificial offering.
There are many examples of Ganson’s work online, and I’ll be bringing you more from time to time. Enjoy this video, photos of other machines and some of his drawings for now.
Oh, btw, Ganson (b. 1955) is the inventor of the toy Toobers and Zots, has exhibited his work internationally and was a conference speaker at TED in Monterrey, CA.
I like the visual of the baby and the machine in one shot. It was almost like the "Behold, the Lion King" scene from the Disney movie.
ReplyDeleteAlso, maybe because I'm a grandparent and re-experiencing babies, this was a great metaphor for all of the behind the scenes activities that have to take place, just so the baby can make simple movements.
Brilliant, if I'd watched the doll much longer, i think it would have made me cry.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful to you for your wonderful collection. I watched it all are good.
ReplyDeletepeter
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