With Ones and Zeros, the gorgeous di Rosa preserve in Napa presents seven contemporary artists who reflect on how technological developments shape our lives. The exhibit’s work ranges from that of the Bay Area’s award-winning Simon Pyle (pictured), who holds up a literal magnifying glass to the modern world’s ubiquitous digital screen, to pieces by Aaron Finnis, who became known for adhering acrylic prints onto furniture surfaces from IKEA. Pyle’s approach resonates with anyone who once placed their eyeballs within inches of an old vacuum-tube television screen to see the tiny, seemingly incongruous colors that made up that morning’s episode of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, and as for Finnis, well, who hasn’t spent hours browsing the IkeaHacks site for inspiration in adapting their Hemnes TV stand?
Like the exhibition’s other artists Charles Gute, Matt Lipps, Sanaz Mazinani, Stephanie Syjuco, and Margo Wolowiec, the artists of Ones and Zeros don’t necessarily work in the digital realm — the exhibit features an array of media — but like everybody living in the year 2014, they are certainly surrounded by it. Ones and Zeros mediates on these surroundings and the ways we as a species adapt.
THE LAY OF THE LAND: On Sept. 6 and Sept. 20, combine your trip with di Rosa’s guided nature hike to the top of nearby Milliken Peak. At three miles roundtrip, it’s only moderately strenuous, and offers great views of the area. Tours through di Rosa’s Main Gallery, which houses collector Rene di Rosa’s abundant collection, are a must Wednesday through Sunday. Sign up in advance at dirosaart.org.
