Maximal Art: The Origins and Aesthetics of West Coast Light Shows
Presentation by Robin Oppenheimer
Andy Warhol’s Exploding Plastic Inevitable with The Velvet Underground
by Ronald Nameth

Robin Oppenheimer’s presentation will trace the historical origins and aesthetics of light shows on the West Coast – from Vietnam war protests to attempts by artists of the 60s to blend the “new” twentieth century communications media technologies – photography, film, audio, projectors. The presentation will feature rare documentary footage.

The Exploding Plastic Inevitable, sometimes simply called EPI, was a series of multimedia events organized by Andy Warhol between 1966 and 1967, featuring musical performances by The Velvet Underground & Nico, screenings of Warhol's films, and dancing and performances by regulars of Warhol's Factory.  During a one week run of the EPI in Chicago, in June, 1966, the filmmaker Ronald Nameth filmed every performance. The resulting film is composed of his multiple recordings. This multi-layered film is best though of as a separate work of art, inspired by this multimedia event, rather than a documentary.

Robin Oppenheimer is an internationally recognized media arts consultant, historian, curator, writer, and educator who has worked in the field since 1980. She is a professor at the University of Washington. Ms. Oppenheimer was the first Media-Arts-Historian-in-Residence at Bellevue Art Museum, near Seattle (2000-2). As Manager of the Seattle Art Museum's Open Studio Project (1997-2000), she oversaw Web production and literacy training for almost 60 Seattle artists and arts organizations. She is also a former Executive Director of 911 Media Arts Center in Seattle (1989-95), and IMAGE Film/Video Center in Atlanta (1984-8), where she directed the Atlanta Film & Video Festival.

Produced by The Aurora Picture Show in collaboration with the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.  Curated by Bree Edwards.  Media Archeology is also supported by  The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and Houston Arts Alliance through the City of Houston.
 
Special thanks to the following sponsors of the Opening Party: Katz Coffee, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Roaring Lion Energy Drink, Ruggles Green, Stockholm Vodka, Treebeards Restaurant.  And to our Media Sponsors: Art Lies Contemporary Art Quarterly and KPFT 90.1FM.  And finally to our Artist Sponsors: Modern B&B, Aerosol Warfare Gallery, The Chocolate Bar, DiverseWorks Artspace, Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Houston Film Commission, Katz Coffee, and Ttweak.