Reaction: New Work by Nervous System

September 2 - October 10 2010; Reception 7-9pm, September 2, 2010

Rare Device is proud to present Reaction, new work by Massachusetts-based design firm Nervous System. The show runs September 2 through October 10 in the Rare Device project space; a reception for the artists will be held on September 2 from 7-9pm.

The work in Reaction is based on a chemical patterning system called reaction diffusion, which describes a hypothesized mechanism for the synthesis of the diverse patterning seen on animals ranging from zebra stripes and giraffe spots to the complex coloring of tropical fish. The line features slip-cast ceramic housewares as well as pieces created using novel 3D printing techniques currently under development. These works will be accompanied by other Nervous System designs in jewelry and housewares as well as video and interactive applications where participants can play with these systems and even create their own designs. More than simply a display of their end product, this exhibition is about process from conception to program to design to production, showcasing Nervous System’s unique blend of art, science, and craft; the work spans art, products, and interactive media – mixing gallery, store, and playground.

Nervous System was founded in 2007 by Jesse Louis-Rosenberg and Jessica Rosenkrantz. Their designs exist at the intersection of science, art, and technology. They create using a novel process that employs computer simulation to generate designs and digital fabrication to realize products. Drawing inspiration from natural phenomena and processes, they write computer programs mimicking patterns found in nature and use those patterns to create unique and affordable pieces of art. Their first line was based on a model of coral formation called diffusion-limited aggregation. “Our work is rooted in an interest in understanding the way the world works, both the morphogenetic processes of nature and the industrial process of man,” says Louis-Rosenberg.

Working in a variety of materials from recycled stainless steel to nylon, Nervous System uses rapid prototyping manufacturing methods such as 3D-printing, acid etching and water jet cutting to enable small runs and even unique pieces to be sold affordably, keeping their innovative art accessible. In keeping with an ethic of accessibility, all of their design algorithms are open-source and some can be used on their website to create consumer-generated designs.

Rare Device is a store and gallery that features functional experiments and original ideas in art, design, craft and fabrication. Owners Rena Tom and Lisa Congdon constantly seek out objects that are beautiful, evocative, well constructed and thoughtful. We are pleased to bring to our San Francisco store an ever-growing roster of local, national and international artists and designers for a truly "rare" experience.

Rare Device (raredevice.net) is located at 1845 Market Street between Valencia and Guerrero Streets. Store/gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 7pm and Sunday noon to 6 pm.