MICHAEL BELL SMITH

Artist, Michael Bell Smith, recently gave a lecture at the University of Texas which he addressed topics of mass media (specifically the internet), pop culture, and nostalgia. I really responded to his video Up and Away. This video was constructed out of appropriated clips from old video game sources. I think the imagery is really beautiful. The layering and spacial progression abstracts it from the original content and makes something entirely different.

The other videos he presented were really funny, but also valid as a response to internet culture.

R.Kelly's Trapped in the Closet Synced and Played Simultaneously

Chapters 1-12 of R. Kelly's Trapped In The Closet Synced and Played Simultaneously (2006) by Michael Bell-Smith. Courtesy EAI. from Why + Wherefore on Vimeo.

I also really enjoyed this: (OONCE-OONCE) a website he created with a looping imagery and sound.