Mechanisms

About this book

This catalogue accompanies a group show at CCA Wattis in San Francisco, curated by Anthony Huberman. It reflects on ways the "machine" determines how we live and what we believe in. A machine is also a mechanism, not just a physical object but also an abstract ideology. The artworks point to the forms and instruments that make up our technological infrastructure, as well as to the values they are designed to enforce. Contesting a world that rewards efficiency, speed, and productivity, the participating artists test existing systems with inefficient machines, impossible tools, wasted time, and elaborate protocols that misalign outputs and inputs.