This press release describes an internet-interactive mediawork by artist
Nancy Paterson which is currently being exhibited in Toronto, Canada at
the Bell Centre for Creative Communications.

Dates: Jan. 15 - Mar. 15
Hours: Mon. - Sat. (10am - 7pm)
Location: 951 Carlaw Ave. (Toronto, Ontario)

STOCK MARKET SKIRT

In this mediawork, a blue taffeta and black velvet party dress is
displayed on a dressmaker's mannequin or 'Judy,' located next to a
computer and several monitors of varying sizes. The stock ticker symbol
and stock price which is being tracked, marches from right to left
across the monitor screens. The monitors display large white numbers and
letters on a blue background (matching the blue of the taffeta skirt)
which scroll in simulation of the pixel board displays used to track
stock values on the traditional exchange room floor.

PERL scripts (running under Linux) extract and analyze a select stock
price from online stock market quote services on the internet. Each new
value is sent to a program which determines whether to raise or lower
the hemline via a stepper motor and a system of cables, weights and
pulleys. When the stock price rises, the hemline is raised; when the
stock price falls, the hemline is lowered.

This mediawork also utilizes a webcam to capture and display real-time
images of the hemline as it fluctuates. A website page simultaneously
displays these images as well as the stock market quotes which are
controlling the length of the hemline.

For more information, please contact Nancy Paterson at:
nancy@utcc.utoronto.ca

Nancy Paterson's website: