Christian Moeller

$\\Commonspot\internet-site\images\bullet1$ Art Projects

Christian Moeller
Mojo
2008

Project Area: Beacon Street
Project: Centre Street Lofts
Project Location: 285 W. 6th St.; Mojo on the corner of W. 7th St. and Centre St.
Project Type: Developer

Description:

Inspired by the nearby port's automated cargo cranes and lighthouse, the artist created a 30' 4 7/8" interactive sculpture called Mojo. In reaction to its environment, Mojo presents itself as an elegant sculpture during the bright daylight hours, however, as light levels decrease throughout the day, Mojo comes to life. Through its playful usage of surveillance technology, Mojo tracks passersby with its robotic arm, at times beaming a light on randomly selected pedestrians following them with its light. Christian Moeller's sculpture activates its nearby public space, forging connections with passersby and creating a sense of community.

Artist Profile

By investigating the intersections of cinema, computation, music, and physical space, Christian Moeller creates innovative works using state of the art technology. He produces work of all sizes, from small handheld pieces to large-scale outdoor installations. Originally from Germany, he studied architecture at the College of Applied Sciences in Frankfurt as well as the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. Moeller ran his own studio and media laboratory along with teaching at the State College of Design in Karlsruhe before he moved to the United States in 2001. He is currently a professor at UCLA working in the Department of Design and Media Arts and continues with his studio work in Hollywood.