This is an unfortunate show for the most part, although there are two highlights that I think deserve mention.

1.Mathieu Briand, "UBIQ, A Mental Odyssey" is lacking in its virtual reality goggles and immersive artificial world - the installation, a direct quotation of Stanley Kubrick 2110 A Space Odyssey is spot on. I just enjoyed walking through that space more than the actual technological experience.

2. Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller, "Opera for a small room" is an installation in a room inside the space - feeling like the unabombers cabin but stocked with turntables, records and speakers. This mechanical performance is the most engaging of the entire exhibit. It's use of technology - not for the sake of technology but to use the technology to go beyond the presentation is quiet and spectacular.

Most of Sensorium felt like a science experiment masquerading as art - these two pieces are the standouts of a poorly executed and lackluster curatorial approach to the experiential nature of art. I hope part two is quite a bit stronger.

Labels: Bad Review, Boston, conceptual art