The Mechanics of Drawing

Complex parts of an impressive whole, each 'electro-mechanical installation' by Texas duo Jeff Shore and Jon Fisher produces a different component in an atmospheric installation. On view through October 6 in the exhibition 'Reel to Reel,' at Manhattan's Clementine gallery, some of the predominantly wall-mounted installations produce sound using automated instruments, such as a modified turntable and vinyl records. Others generate live video sequences using small mechanized surveillance cameras than pan and zoom over tiny automated sets resembling moving Hollywood miniatures hidden within masses of audio-visual equipment. While the audio emitted by some pieces is channeled to speakers and fills the gallery, the video feeds to a screening room at the center of the space. Watching the complete package and trying to trace each bit of sound and video to the element from which it originated is rewarding on its own, but a more subtle success of Shore and Fisher's work is the way that it treats the component cables in each of the installations. Rather than conventional bundles of cord or nests of cable, the wires powering the mechanical elements and carrying the feeds are spread out on the walls in measured, drawing-like abstractions.