110303 (2003)

(18 min, 16×9, 5.1 Dolby Digital, DVD)

110303 is a symphony of data, computations, and architecture at the micro level; where circle and line form grids which collide, overlap, intersect, and co-exist. It is composed of dozens of five second animations, which are each sequentially repeated four times. I purposely left out any filmic transitions or effects. There are no intentionally poignant peaks or valleys. The machinelike animations are intended to create an emotionally detached sense of tempo and to facilitate a mathematical, geometric, or scientific rhythm. This frees the viewer to watch unfettered to create their own hypothesis. Numerous grids and circles slide into the distance. Layers stacked upon layers create the impression of depth. Patterns of color and line shifting simultaneously in multiple directions appear to be calculating some unknowable equation. What look like smoked pains of glass could actually be data carriers, quickly moving information from one sequence to the next. A symphonic repetition of image and sound generates an infinite number of abstract and narrative interpretations. *See also: 2001-2007

“Robert Daniel Flowers’ video 11303 (2003) does not occupy physical space in the traditional sense. The work is on DVD and its images are projected onto a flat surface by a video projector. The accumulated ones and zeroes “burned” onto the DVD are a record of the artist’s yes and no choices. The ephemeral nature of this work, in virtue of how it was made and how it is stored, in comparison to those works that continue to occupy physical space, give It a direct link to the imagination. Imagery surrounds the viewer, and sound seems to emanate from the visual activity rather than merely accompany it. The texture and depth of this abstract work differ from film as it does not rely on the viewer’s filling in the gaps between the frames appearing on the screen at the rate of 24 per second. To describe this piece with respect to the other works in this exhibition, we need to consider the actual physical space the DVD containing this work occupies. However, If we grant the entirely different character of spatial existence of such digital art, Flowers addresses related questions with the compression of space in the hypnotic imagery of an Infinite number of moving planes opening and closing.” – Eugene Binder

“Robert Flowers’ video work invites and seduces us into his view of an industrial/digital world of superimposed moving shapes. They recall the empty urban architecture of a dark dream found in a modern day de Chirco painting – but one that moves. It’s as If the viewer is stuck inside a video game labyrinth, with no game to play and no escape.” – John Pomara

“The effects of our industrial/digital age are examined…most complexly in Robert Daniel Flowers’s quietly poetic 110303 (2003), in which repeated machinelike shapes and superimposed moving rectangles recall modern buildings and the monotony of the assembly line”. – Fred Camper

“The new work is very architectonic–influenced I’m sure by the digital format”. – Janis Crystal Lipzin

“I just want to let you know that I loved the DVD of your piece as it was quite hypnotic and elaborate. A very artistic endeavor. Even one of my cats was enthralled!” – George Kuchar

Low resolution excerpt intended for preview only