“It’s Two Minutes to Midnight” was a unique, women driven exhibition that addressed timely political events that continue to unfold on the world’s stage. Featuring a variety of artistic processes from the high contrast, individual experience of the Oculus Rift and more painterly, group shared VR CAVE experiences, to the more contemplative, virtual PHSCologram sculptures, complemented by Martyl’s gouaches and vintage Bulletin covers–the collective works invited viewers to engage in a shared dialogue surrounding the use of technology to advance or diminish our longevity. The inclusion of historic photos further led participants on an investigative trail to the past that continues to impact our future. The variation of artistic processes underscored the shifting perspectives of our society as we continue to navigate an array of global challenges.
The CRISPR sculpture reminds of the atomic scientists’ original intent to harness nuclear energy and other innovations for responsible applications, such as medicine, to improve our life span, rather than endanger it with warfare that leads to environmental devastation.
The exhibition included a book signing launch for New Media Futures sponsored by the University of Illinois Press, and a lively panel discussion on ‘The Art and Design of the Doomsday Clock,’ sponsored by the Terra Foundation for American Art, with guest speakers Michael Golec, SAIC Department Chair and Design History Coordinator; Maggie Taft, author and historian; and Rachel Bronson, Bulletin CEO.