TOKEN CITY

A Multimedia Installation

Muriel Magenta, Visual Artist
Michael Udow, Composer

The New York subway is the subject for a multimedia installation – a vision that transforms the everyday commute into an experience of images and sounds that simulates reality. The viewer is immersed in a situation where emotions and thoughts associated with the subway are implied and heightened: anonymity of the individual within a crowd, anticipation of the unknown, the passing of time, and longing to keep going.

Viewers to the gallery will enter a virtual subway platform and encounter a series of video projections and multiple soundtracks which merge real people videotaped in transit with a 3D computer-animated subway station. This computer-generated scene includes rows of riveted columns, iron staircases, and old tiled walls, coexisting with streamlined subway cars. While waiting for arriving and departing trains, viewers experience a choreographed program of electronic music and digital sound effects composed specifically for Token City. Paralleling subway activity, the Token City installation is continuous throughout the gallery day with people coming and going as they please.

TOKEN CITY: A Multimedia Installation is one component of a four part project including a 3D animation video short combining visuals and sound; a CD of all Token City music composed by Michael Udow; and a portfolio of prints by Muriel Magenta.

A reception for the artists took place Saturday, September 20, 1997 from 7-9pm.
The event was a dual reception with the exhibition Dis/Functional.

Artist Muriel Magenta presented a lecture on Tuesday, September 9, 1997 at 7:30pm

The exhibition, curated by John D. Spiak, premiered on August 9, 1997 and closed on September 30, 1997.