Verge: descriptions of presentations

Vernor Vinge

The Reader's Mind as Display Device
Written language is an artificial thing, very far removed from its referents. More than any other art form, writing has the potential for co-opting the user's own mental abilities to generate content. Of course, peril and power follow from this fact. Science fiction writer Vernor Vinge will discuss how such power may be exploited and what implications this could have for other art forms.

Rodney Smith

Images of Grace
The essential elements that black-and-white photographer Rodney Smith's work explores are beauty, grace and the energy beneath the surface of things. The emotional experience of making a black-and-white photograph is as vital to Smith as the craft of the medium. Smith will present examples of portraits, landscapes and still lifes taken between 1971 and 2000 and discuss how he uses light and a sense of place to communicate his feelings about a particular subject.

Ryan Oakes

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The Creation of Wonder
A belief in magic is not the prerequisite to experiencing a magical moment. Magician Ryan Oakes will demonstrate that magic is a visual experience--a delicate fusion of dramatics, music, psychology and a deep understanding of the audience. While the mind cannot be fooled, subtle presentation of misinformation allows one to fool the senses that feed it. Whether through well-disguised technical prowess, the building of trust or simply being one step ahead of the audience, the quality of the experience is contingent upon how well one challenges an individual's assumptions.

Paul D. Miller a.k.a. Dj Spooky

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Graphic Traffic: Design in the Information Age
In the last century, the distribution systems of culture--print, radio, TV, etc.--have directed and dispersed the creative act. Musician and conceptual artist Paul Miller will focus on how the network systems of music, visual art and literature have interacted with each other and formed mutually sustaining dynamic methods for looking at the world. Miller will highlight the linkages between the discourse networks of computer culture and the urban context of continuous exchange.

Scott Ault

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The 21st Century Museum Experience
Museums face stiff competition from the ever-expanding world of entertainment; they have to try harder than ever before to attract--and hold the attention of--their audiences. As a result, museums are turning increasingly to the business of "experience design" for assistance. Experience producer Scott Ault will speak about what makes a meaningful museum experience today and how experience designers can help museums amaze, inspire and leave lasting impressions on their 21st-century audiences.

Debbie Bonnanzio

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WWF Entertainment; Attitude Convergence
WWF Entertainment is a branded integrated media company comprising pay-per-view, television and live events, as well as ancillary businesses that include licensing, merchandising, catalogue sales, publishing, home video, sponsorships, e-commerce, music and the WWF NY entertainment complex. Creative director Debbie Bonnanzio will discuss how WWF delivers a unique sports spectacle to its audience through multiple traditional and digital platforms, and how design and understanding the audience's desire for content is an integral part of that experience.

Dale Mason

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The Reader's Mind as Display Device
Universal Studios Recreation Group represents 5 major theme parks around the world. Dale Mason, director of attraction development, will give attendees a close-up look at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, Florida highlighting key features such as Seuss Landing, Jurassic Park, Lost Continent and the Marvel Comic characters. He will explain the importance of effective, compelling storytelling in each of these areas.

Ralph Appelbaum

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Exploring the Edge
In a conversational format, exhibition guru Ralph Appelbaum will take participants on an illustrated journey through his recent work, exploring some of the big ideas that motivate him. Winner of every major design award for his work, Appelbaum is currently changing the world’s cultural landscape with numerous major interpretive museum commissions in Washington, D.C., New York, London and Barcelona.

For more information, call 212 807 1990 or e-mail molly_beverstein@aiga.org.