Artist will install 'Life'-like project on campus

LAWRENCE — The Spencer Museum of Art will host Mexican artist Nacho Rodriguez Bach next week when he installs his interactive project, “The Path of Thought,” on the University of Kansas campus. Rodriguez Bach will give an artist’s talk at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, at The Commons in Spooner Hall to discuss the concepts surrounding the installation.

“When I first saw ‘The Path of Thought’ I was reminded of the board game ‘Life’ — how one moves from one tile to the next,” said Kris Ercums, Spencer curator of global contemporary & Asian art. “I am impressed by the way Nacho’s work evokes deep awareness while at the same time encouraging participants to have fun.”

“The Path of Thought,” which functions as both an art installation and a social experiment, seeks to counteract violence through unbiased thinking. The installation consists of a series of thought-provoking diagrams that participants follow along a set path on the floor of the display space. Rodriguez Bach’s body of work often spans disciplines and practices, integrating philosophy, interactive games or activities, and new media to raise important questions.

He said installing “The Path of Thought” in a university setting “presents a good opportunity for debate and questioning in different areas of thought.”

Rodriguez Bach will enlist the help of KU students to install the project. “The Path of Thought” will remain on view at The Commons from Feb. 15–26 and will travel to other sites on campus and throughout the community this spring.