SelvegLeonardo Selvaggio, URME Polygons 

Statement

URME Polygons explores my interest with identity, data, and the open source movement. As a 3d model, my face represents a mathematical algorithm, a series of polygons arranged in a certain fashion. However it is also a key portion of my identity. In my previous work, YouAreMe.Net, I have supplied other portions of my identity for the public to use as material as they see fit-­‐ such as my biography, logins and passwords to social media accounts, etc. My interests lie in experimenting with and exploring how identity is formed by asking who exactly could I be if my identity we open to public discourse? URME Polygons extends this dialogue by providing a new context through the proliferation of my facial identity via emerging digital technologies. My face is for you to use as you see fit. Use it in your video game designs, avatars, sculptures, or any other context you come up with.

As an example, I am altering some of the 3d rendered sculptures found on Thingiverse.com  by substituting the subject’s face with my own via a modeling program, such as “Portrait of Pericles”. By appropriating the form of historical and even mythical figures as my own I extend my identity in a completely different context. It’s the creation of these unforeseen contexts by others that makes Art2Make a perfect vehicle for this work.

Download Selvaggio.stl

document-arrow-down-icon

 

 

Download Selvaggio_3dPolyPericles

document-arrow-down-icon

 


Biography

Leonardo Selvaggio is an interdisciplinary Artist based in Chicago IL. His work revolves around themes of identity, gender, and the body. Most recently, his interests lie in the intersection between identity and technology. He received his BFA from Rutgers University ’06 and is currently a Thesis Candidate in Columbia College’s Interdisciplinary Arts and Media MFA program. Selvaggio has shown work in New York, Chicago, and was recently one of four .net artists represented at Prospectives ’12 New Media Art Festival for his work YouAreMe.Net: an interactive online project which examines identity and social media through the lens of open-source methodology. He is also the Director of the Fountains Foundation at 916, a curatorial project based in Chicago, IL.

Website: www.LeoSelvaggio.com