Inflating a Chat Room: Dan Steinhilber’s Interactive Artwork

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Artist Dan Steinhilber sets up interactive work “Interface” for Phillips after 5 on June 2. Photos: Amy Wike

In preparation for tonight’s Phillips after 5, DC-based artist Dan Steinhilber visited the museum yesterday to test out his interactive Interface artwork in the galleries. Steinhilber’s work, which was recently featured at G Fine Art, invites visitors to enter into the piece and create a unique experience for themselves and other participants. Comprising five inflatable, bag-like sculptures (made from plastic stretch wrap, wood, and computer fans), Interface is a riff on our addiction to the Internet, instant yet remote communication, and virtual reality. The wearable aspect of these works­—visitors insert their “talking-heads” inside the sculptures while their hands remain outside—offers an estranged and disembodied experience.

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Artist Dan Steinhilber sets up interactive work “Interface” for Phillips after 5 on June 2

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Steinhilber placed works around the gallery before inflating and adjusting

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Artist Dan Steinhilber sets up interactive work “Interface” for Phillips after 5 on June 2

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“Untitled Mobile Interface Site (Conversation Pillow),” 2016, rests against a gallery wall

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Steinhilber inside “Untitled Mobile Interface Site (Chat Room),” 2016

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Artist Dan Steinhilber sets up interactive work “Interface” for Phillips after 5 on June 2

2 thoughts on “Inflating a Chat Room: Dan Steinhilber’s Interactive Artwork

    • Hi Ikram,
      This was a one-night-only installation and we don’t currently have plans to recreate it, but the artist, Dan Steinhilber, is locally based, so you may find installations of his work around DC!

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