Algorithmia
An exhibition about problem solving

Reception: Saturday, March 14th, 7 - 10 pm
Sliding Scale Suggested Donation: $2-$20

Exhibition Dates: March 11-28, 2009
Gallery Hours:Wednesdays- Saturdays, 12-4 pm (or by appointment)

This exhibition explores the relationship between math, science, programming, and the effect these have on our relationship to the changing world. Unlike many math oriented shows of the past, this exhibition does not draw the line at simply defining algorithm as the use of a mathematical equation, but rather opens up the door to a broad array of artistic interpretations, both literally and conceptually referential.

Just as the algorithms of nature constantly work in flux to solve and create problems, so does the human use of algorithmic processes towards advancement. The science fictions of yesterday are rapidly becoming the realities that shape our everyday. From iPods shuffling our favorite songs and videos, to web applications that allow us to do everything remotely online, to the “smart bombs” that target enemies of the corporate world, we are surrounded by the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of computational progress.

Algorithmia consists of both physical and web-based work, presenting diverse procedures for problem solving, and explores the ways these methods, in turn, program us.

Sponsored By:

Curated By: Bryan Hewitt, Vita Mei Hewitt, and Lauren Scime

Featured Artists:
Alan Bigelow
David Sanchez Burr
Elizabeth Deters*
Ethan Ham
Bryan Hewitt
Vita Mei Hewitt
Ryan Jones*
Emmanuelle Namont Kouznetsov
Kunsole*
Conrad M. Meyers II*
Lauren Scime*
Luther Thie & Carlos Castellanos
Myriam Thyes
Fernando Velázquez, Bruno Favaretto & Francisco Lapetina

*Root Division Resident Artist

ROOT DIVISION GALLERY
3175 17th Street (at S. Van Ness)
San Francisco, CA 94110
415.863.766
www.rootdivision.org

ABOUT ROOT DIVISION:
Root Division is an arts and arts education non-profit located in the Mission District of San Francisco. Root Division's mission is to improve appreciation and access to the visual arts by connecting personal inspiration and community participation. We provide subsidized studio space to working artists in exchange for their service in creating shared learning opportunities for the community. Artists develop creatively and professionally by teaching art to underserved youth, leading adult education classes, and producing exhibitions that showcase local emerging artwork. By combining multiple opportunities for creative exchange, Root Division cultivates an artistic ecosystem that enriches life throughout the Bay Area.

Root Division is supported in part by grants from Grants for the Arts: SF Hotel Tax Fund & Voluntary Arts Contribution Fund, The San Francisco Foundation, Walter & Elise Haas Fund, and the Potrero Nuevo Fund. The Second Saturday Exhibition Series is sponsored by the Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation, the San Francisco Arts Commission through a Cultural Equity Grant/Organizational Project Grant, the Fleishhacker Foundation, and the Zellerbach Family Foundation.

For further information regarding events and/or press materials, please do not hesitate to contact Selene Foster at 415.863.7668 or events@rootdivision.org.