Cyber Orthodox

Continuing on display through May 30 at LEA6 is Igor Ballyhoo's Cyber Orthodox, a dark, brooding installation that was originally mostly above the waterline. Igor's artistic statement begins, "In whole university of sensations, thoughts, opinions and other kinds of influences created by human since beginning I am more impressed by the energy they spend to convince others that their way is only right one than by ideas that they try to spread. ORTHOS ("right", "true", "straight") + DOXA ("opinion" or "belief") is always reminding me of question which clock is most accurate in universe?" (If you're inclined, read more here on the Linden Endowment for the Arts blog.)

A couple days ago, in reaction to the massive and catastrophic flooding that struck Igor's native Serbia, he "flooded" the installation by sinking it into the water (as there's no way to raise the water table): "Past few days my country is affected by Biblical size floods that were never recorded in our history. Tens of thousands people is evacuated from their homes and thousands of homes is under water. As you can understand, human lifes are most valuable to save but uncounted number of animals lost their lifes. This morning I have wake up with news that more then 100 tons of dead animals is gathered just from one city. And it is not over yet..."

As originally configured, it was possible to navigate one's way by foot from the landing point through various platforms and stairways, thereby intersecting with and exploring most of the installation. It still is, although it's quite murky underwater and much of what was visible is now more challenging to see. Cyber Orthodox isn't a work that I found particularly interesting or compelling, but you might want to go investigate it for yourself before it disappears in a few days.