Inflating a Chat Room: Dan Steinhilber's Interactive Artwork
Education & Community Engagement
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.
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Artist Dan Steinhilber sets up interactive work "Interface" for Phillips after 5 on June 2. Photos: Amy Wike
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.
![Steinhilber install_AW_1](/sites/default/files/styles/max_width_1360px_/public/featured_images/Steinhilber-install_AW_1.jpg?itok=JSTX2dwW)
Artist Dan Steinhilber sets up interactive work "Interface" for Phillips after 5 on June 2
![Steinhilber install_AW_2](/sites/default/files/styles/max_width_1360px_/public/featured_images/Steinhilber-install_AW_2.jpg?itok=HYahy7ny)
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
![Steinhilber install_AW_6](/sites/default/files/styles/max_width_1360px_/public/featured_images/Steinhilber-install_AW_6.jpg?itok=GJPZA2me)
"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
![Steinhilber install_AW_7](/sites/default/files/styles/max_width_1360px_/public/featured_images/Steinhilber-install_AW_7.jpg?itok=4RkAysE-)
Artist Dan Steinhilber sets up interactive work "Interface" for Phillips after 5 on June 2