Interactive Contemporary Art at the Manchester Art Fair 2024
Lazerian is bringing Press and Play, a unique interactive art installation, to Stand 211 at Manchester Art Fair at Manchester Central from 15-17 November. Manchester Contemporary is a critical aspect of the fair, providing a platform for young galleries and artist-led spaces. This playful installation invites visitors to take part in a hands-on, four-stage art-making experience, transforming movement, balance, and creativity into one-of-a-kind prints to take home. Designed to capture the spontaneity of play, Press and Play encourages collaboration and creativity in a fun, relaxed setting.
What is Interactive Art?
Interactive art is a dynamic genre that transforms spectators into active participants, allowing the artwork to achieve its full potential through engagement. Unlike traditional art forms where viewers passively observe, interactive art invites them to become co-creators. This genre often employs computers, interfaces, and sensors to respond to various inputs such as motion, heat, or environmental changes. The essence of interactive art lies in its ability to evolve with user input, creating a unique experience each time. It shares a deep connection with performance art, as both forms rely on the presence and actions of participants to bring the artwork to life. This participatory nature makes interactive art a compelling and ever-evolving field within the broader art landscape.
The Evolution of Art Forms
The journey of art forms has been a fascinating evolution, leading to the emergence of interactive art. While the roots of interactive art can be traced back to the 1920s, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that digital art made a significant impact on the art world. This period marked the beginning of a new era where technology and creativity intersected, giving rise to a plethora of interactive art installations. Museums and galleries worldwide began to embrace this innovative genre, incorporating it into their exhibitions. The field continues to evolve, driven by the combined interests of artists and architects who explore the possibilities of new technologies. Computer systems and digital advancements have paved the way for a new class of interactive art, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and engagement.
Sneak Preview at Depot Mayfield with Manchester’s Finest
In the lead-up to Manchester Art Fair, we met Carly from Manchester’s Finest at Depot Mayfield to film an exclusive video that gives visitors a sneak preview of what to expect from Press and Play. The garden-like surroundings at Depot Manchester made it an ideal setting for the seesaw installation, creating a playful, relaxed atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the piece. These surroundings contribute to an immersive experience, engaging visitors through interactive installations that foster exploration and personal expression. The video offers a look behind the scenes, capturing the essence of the installation and setting the stage for its debut at the fair.
Interactive Art Installations and Press and Play
Interactive art engages audiences by making them active participants in the creation process. Rather than passively observing, visitors play a direct role in shaping the artwork’s outcome through a collaborative creative process. Press and Play takes this idea to heart, inviting art fair attendees to be part of the creative journey. Interactive art prioritizes experience and process over a polished result, and Press and Play is all about reconnecting with the simple joy of creating in collaboration with others
The Four Stages of Press and Play
The installation is centered around a custom-built seesaw that serves as both a playful apparatus and a printing press. Motion sensors are integrated into the seesaw apparatus to enhance the interactive experience. Each stage adds a new element to the artwork, shaped by the visitor’s own actions:
1. Stage 1 – Black Print
Participants start by using the seesaw to create a bold black print featuring dancing figures. By shifting their weight, each person produces a unique design, influenced by their own balance and movement.
2. Stage 2 – Red Circle Print
The second stage overlays a vibrant red circle onto the black design. Again, the seesaw controls the print’s placement and pressure, creating slight variations in each piece.
3. Stage 3 – Spray Paints
After the initial prints, the paper is secured between the seesaw seats, where visitors use levers to control colorful spray paints. Adjusting flow and speed, they can create bold patterns and textures, while a brush resembling a windshield wiper sweeps across the print, adding a layered effect.
4. Stage 4 – Crayon Hand
For the final stage, participants guide a robotic hand holding crayons to add finishing touches. Artists designed sculptures that are integrated into the installation, allowing participants to interact with the art in a tactile and immersive way. This layer brings an expressive, freeform quality, allowing visitors to leave their own personal mark on the artwork.
Creating Immersive Experiences
Interactive art installations have the power to create immersive experiences that challenge traditional art forms and engage viewers in unprecedented ways. These installations invite participants to step into the artwork, blurring the lines between observer and creator. Examples of interactive art range from digital installations and AI collaborations to 3D sculptures and projection mapping. Each piece offers a unique interaction with contemporary art, making it more participatory and inclusive. Artists have designed sculptures that can be touched and manipulated, transforming the art experience into a tactile and engaging journey. Computer-based interactive art further enhances this experience, allowing participants to interact with technology set up by the artist, creating a critically engaged environment where art and technology converge.
Purpose and Vision of Press and Play
Press and Play is designed to foster artistic exploration, allowing participants to explore creativity without overthinking the outcome. It’s a chance to experience art-making in a relaxed, collaborative way. By involving multiple people in the creation process, the installation fosters a sense of connection and community. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the journey of creating, rediscovering the simplicity and freedom of playful art.
Sustainability is a central part of Press and Play. The installation is built using recycled pipes and sustainably sourced wood from the Lazerian studio, reflecting a commitment to environmentally conscious design that aligns with Lazerian’s broader ethos.
Manchester Art Fair
Visitors to the Manchester Art Fair had the chance to experience Press and Play at Stand 211, where it became one of the event’s highlights. The stand was buzzing with activity as people explored this interactive installation, creating meaningful connections between the artist and the audience.
Participants loved the hands-on experience, leaving with a one-of-a-kind print for just £50—a personal memento of their creative engagement. Press and Play challenged traditional ideas of art and offered a memorable way for visitors to be part of the artistic process. Thank you to everyone who stopped by—it was an incredible weekend.
In conclusion, interactive art is a vibrant and evolving field that continues to redefine the boundaries of artistic expression. From its early beginnings in the 1920s to the digital revolution of the late 1990s, interactive art has grown into a significant phenomenon within the art world. Its ability to create immersive experiences and engage viewers in innovative ways ensures that interactive art will remain a vital and exciting part of contemporary art for years to come. Whether you’re an artist, curator, or art enthusiast, exploring the world of interactive art offers a unique opportunity to experience art in a profoundly participatory and inclusive manner.
