Fieldtrip

1. The theme of the Biennial is Action/Reaction, which depicts "the influences of our changing world"; the art reflects designs responding to current events and issues we are facing while each work also includes ideas based on sustainability. I do find this theme to be relevant because the designs relate to current sociopolitical, environmental, and economic events and conflicts we face daily.

2. Each object does express the theme in some way, especially the innovative architectural designs. Urban Planner James Rojas developed a colorful map from found objects in his "Messy and Vital" project, rather than creating city models out of plastic or environmentally unfriendly materials. He displays the key changes or landmarks through the state of California. Another architectural example that portrays the theme of action/reaction and sustainability is the "747 Wing House" by David Hertz, which clearly combines novel designs and recycling. His creation uses parts of a Boeing 747, which he bought to reuse for the client's ideal image of beauty and the house's stability, instead of letting the old plane go to waste. Recycling to create a healthier environment and creating innovative designs based around that recycling concept illustrates the theme very well.

3. The designer that seemed to capture the theme most closely was probably the Toyota Prius Harmony Florelscapes designed by Chris Reel, Ryan Jacobs, Mike McKay, and many others. The Florelscapes benefit the environment while simultaneously remaining aesthetically pleasing. The murals made out of plants and flowers advertise the Toyota Prius by beautifying the freeways and promoting the eco-friendly product.

4. The design I found most interesting was the "Field of Thoughts" activity designed by Amy Franceschini, Michael Swaine, and Corinne Matesich. The custom made game is a version of bingo that combines culture, interaction, and education. By inviting people to bring potluck items from the world's 75 lowest GNP countries, this game creates an interesting method of becoming informed about current global issues and cultures around the world.

5. If I had to pick the least compelling design, I would have to say I was not captivated by the "Bedsider," created by Peter Antonelli and his associates. This was supposed to be a comical film that reinforces people to use birth control. Unfortunately, when touring the exhibit, I initially passed by the video without even noticing it. The display did not evoke the theme in an exciting manner, though it is supposed to serve as a birth control reminder, which is important in today's society. It has the potential to exhibit the action/reaction theme based on its idea, but it lacks the interesting display to grab the viewer's attention.

6. Overall I was extremely impressed by the innovative designs created to educate and inform people about sustainability and current events, while managing to reach a wide audience with interesting artistic set-ups.