Act/React-- A Personal Reaction

Well, my trip to the MAM was actually a very interesting one. I had never been to the museum before, and wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Anyways, to the topic at hand. The Act/React exhibit I found to be amusing and refreshing. The two works I found to be most interesting was Brian Knep's HEALING POOL, and Janet Cardiff's TO TOUCH. The reason that I found these two the most interesting is because to me they seemed to be the least enclosed. Meaning that I think these two works have more possibilities to the viewer. Besides Camille Utterback's UNTITLED series, the rest of the works were a somewhat similar experience from viewer to viewer. This opinion is sure to get differing views, but this is simply my perception after seeing the works.
The first display that really got my attention at the exhibit was indeed HEALING POOL. As soon as I saw it I recognized it from class, and started walking on it, seeing the reaction I would get from the colorful floor. Another reason that I found this work so enjoyable is because it seemingly will never stop. I walked on it for 10 minutes, almost searching for something to stop working or break. It never happened, and I walked away feeling like the work somewhat resembled the organisms is was modeled after. No matter who or what walks on this work, the result will never be the same. Every person will leave a different trail than the person before, and that is why I really enjoyed this work.
The other work that I really enjoyed is by Janey Cardiff. The first thought that ran through my head when I saw the table was "horror film." And I still think of it the same way. I think this work is powerful because it really makes you think about whats going on when you touch the table. I felt somewhat ghostlike while slowly running my hands across the table, as the sounds started kicking in it made me feel like I was supposed to have all sorts of memories flooding back.
All in all my experience at the museum was a good one. Interactive exhibits make me feel like a child again, and the playfulness was flowing for other people as well. In the end I would like to return to the museum, but in all honesty, I found the other exhibits to be slightly more fun to look at than the interactive ones.

Tyler Arthur