KATHRYN EARNHART | The Butlers Youngstown facility features holographic art

At the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, the Beecher south wing is filled with excitement as the art of holography enjoys the spotlight this summer.
From interactive works created by New York City's Shu-Min Lin, to the inventive holographic abstractions of Great Britain's Andrew Pepper, and the Butler's permanent display of holograms designed by Ohio artist Tom Cvetkovich, incredible imagery can glows in Beecher wing walkway areas and in the Butler's main floor Flad Gallery.
"People visiting the museum marvel at the Butler's exhibit of holographic works by internationally renowned artist Shu-Min Lin. What pleases us is that people of all ages and backgrounds are excited to interact with these unique and amazing artworks," said Butler Director Dr. Louis Zona.
"It is only after experiencing Shu-Min Lin's work that we can truly understand why he has become such an international star in the world of art."
As visitors walk on Lin's inventive "Glass Ceiling," they encounter holographic images of subjects that vary in age, sex and ethnicity. A feeling that these faces are frozen in time, trying to move within their confined space, overwhelms the viewer.
In this fantasy world, the portraits seem to be either pushing upward or looking down. Inevitably, the viewer casts a shadow on the image he or she is trying to see so that movement to a different perspective is required.
The work speaks on many levels -- of the corporate glass ceiling, the confining world of the compartmentalized spaces that we inhabit, the isolation that results from our advancing technological society.
Other displays
Other works by Shu-Min Lin in the Butler's show include a series of vases with captured holographic imagery along with several wall pieces -- portraits that morph rapidly from one image to the next. One of these works contains 49 separate portraits.
Shu-Min Lin, a native of Taiwan, lives in New York, where he is an assistant professor of fine art and visual communication at New York Institute of Technology.
His signature holograms have been exhibited in venues worldwide, including the Taiwan Fine Art Museum; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo; the Alternative Museum in New York, the Rauma Art Museum, Finland; the National Gallery in Australia; and the Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco.
He has been twice awarded the coveted Prize for Artistic Excellence ('95 and '97) at ARTEC, the International Biennale Competition and exhibition in Japan. He was on the board of ASCI Art and Science Collaborations Inc., and is a consultant for Acer Digital Arts Center.
Shu-Min Lin's holographic exhibition continues through Aug. 15.
British holographer Andrew Pepper, whose "UK Spaces" installation is on view at the Butler through Oct. 26, describes holography as a "light memory."
An image, captured by a laser, can be viewed over and over again by simply shining a light on laser-etched glass. When illuminated, the recorded image reappears, and in this case, an intense halogen bulb allows us to "replay" the "recording."
Because the technology and effect of holographic images is often so overwhelming and unfamiliar when compared to more traditional forms of art, holograms tend to be framed and hung in straight lines on gallery walls.
Traditional view
This method of display offers viewers a reassuring art reference and a display of art to which they are more accustomed. Perhaps this also makes it easier for the viewer to appreciate or accept holography.
However, in Andrew Pepper's site-specific installation "Sight Lines," the holograms have been placed away from the wall and installed horizontally.
The hanging metal surfaces, arranged in a straight line, were allowed to rust out in the open. Thus, there is a relationship between each metal surface and the small circular holograms that they surround.
Like the pattern created by the rust, the liquids used on the metal during the recording of the hologram have 'drawn' their own marks over the surfaces.
Unlike most holograms, Pepper's works do not depict objects or portrait imagery, but focus upon color, line and texture much like the abstract painters of an earlier time.
The result of Pepper's investigations are brilliant works of art that challenge both our eyes and our imaginations.
Andrew Pepper studied Fine Art at Trent Polytechnic, Nottingham, and the University of Reading, where he began working with projected light and three-dimensional installations.
While pursuing a BA degree at Trent, he wrote his fine-art dissertation on holography and art at a time when there was very little material or information available.
Part of his research put him in contact with the Museum of Holography, New York, which began a long and fruitful working relationship.
Annual day camp
The Butler will host its annual day camp, Tuesdays through Fridays, July 15-18 and July 22-25.
The program, which focuses on young people from special constituencies, is conducted within the galleries of the Butler in Youngstown.
This year marks the 15th consecutive year for the program.
Children eligible for the camp include those who usually do not have the opportunity to participate in other summer camp activities because of physical or financial difficulties.
The camp is composed of 30 young people who are financially disadvantaged, 15 young people who face physical challenges, and 15 other interested youngsters.
Applicants for the Butler camp must be between the ages 8 and 12, and must reside in Mahoning, Columbiana or Trumbull counties in Ohio or Mercer and Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania.
There are still openings for this year's program. Interested youngsters and their parents are urged to call (330) 743-1711, Extension 114, for information and registration forms.
The day camp format is based upon an interdisciplinary, hands-on, experimental approach to learn about the arts: visual art, music, drama and dance.
The camp is staffed by professionals in the various arts disciplines as well as volunteers from throughout the community.
The first weekend in July promises to be filled with activity as the Butler celebrates the opening of the 67th Midyear Show and unveils the "Pilot Hill Collection" -- works drawn from the holdings of California art aficionados John and Jane Fitz Gibbon.
The weekend will include a brunch for Butler members and the participating artist. The Midyear Brunch will occasion the preview of the Butler's new restaurant, Winslow's caf & eacute;.
For information, call (330) 743-1711, Extension 123.
XButler hours in Youngstown are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Butler hours at the Trumbull branch are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Butler Salem hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to all three facilities is free.