The works of nine compelling artists explore the relationship between art and technology in an exhibition that runs April 2 to May 16 at the DePaul University Art Museum, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave.

“fitter happier: an exhibition concerning technology” is curated by Matthew Girson, DePaul assistant professor of art. Taking the title of the exhibition from a song written by the rock group Radiohead that comments on the plight of human existence through a computer-generated, synthesized narrator’s voice, Girson questions the relationship between art and technology as viewed from inside of today’s digital culture. In a brochure for the exhibit, Girson indicated that he also found inspiration for the exhibition in an essay by philosopher Martin Heidegger titled “The Question Concerning Technology.” He raises several of his own questions, including: Has the digitalization of our culture torn the creative and reflective possibilities of art and technology apart, or has it woven them together even tighter?

According to Girson, many of the questions having to do with Information Age mastery were born of the Industrial Age, in which the invention of the textile loom for the weaving of clothing marked the beginning of data processing. “Joseph-Marie Jacquard’s power textile looms from the first decade of the 19th century were fed information on rudimentary punch cards that directed the weaving machines to produce pattern.”

The use of early technology, such as that designed for weaving, to produce new art is reflected in several of the 35 works that compose the exhibition. The artists are: David Driscoll, Stuart Elster, D’Nell Larson, Miltos Manetas, Elaine Reichek, Karen Reimer, Scott Short, Scott Stack and Anne Wilson. With the exception of Larson, who works in mixed media, the artists’ mediums are paintings, drawings and textiles.

Several works from a series by Wilson titled “Mendings” use human hair interwoven in a swatch of embroidered lace to create a unique contemporary form in which the human element becomes the “virus” and the needle work serves as its “host.” Elster’s works appears to be traditional paintings, yet his subjects are derived from computer scannings. “Each work is intended either to question the roles of art and technology in our lives today or to problematize how the past and future can be understood through them,” explained Girson.

For Louise Lincoln, director of DePaul’s art museum, “fitter happier” offers a refreshing change of pace from recent exhibitions. “It’s an exciting counterpoint to showing the works of a single artist in a contemporary show,” she said. “We draw on our studio faculty for the intellectual basis of our shows, but it is even more meaningful to have a faculty curator to offer a perspective informed by a different set of issues and viewpoints.”

A panel discussion with several of the artists and Girson will be held April 2 at 3:30 pm. in Levan Hall, 2322 N. Kenmore, Room 100. The opening reception for “fitter happier” will be held that same evening from 5 to 7 p.m. in the museum. Girson will give a gallery tour April 15 at 1:45 p.m. All of the events and museum admission are free and open to the public. Museum hours are: Mon. – Thurs., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. For more information about “fitter and happier” and future exhibitions of the DePaul Art Museum, call 773/325-7506 or visit the Web site at www.depaul.edu/~gallery .

Editors’ Note: Digital images of works from the exhibition are available upon request.