By Joel Ballezza
ONA Convention Online Staff

"Broken Mirror," "Wonderween," and "The Palace at 4am" may not be the first things that come to mind when you’re thinking of the Big Apple’s tourist attractions, but New York is home to a vibrant scene that mixes technology and art.

Opening October 30, "The Palace at 4am" at The Museum of Modern Art’s affiliate P.S.1, Jon Kessler’s latest work seeks to engage the mind and senses.

Through bombardments of audio, “termite mound imagery” and kinetic sculptures of exposed technology, Kessler’s multimedia installation deconstructs intricate components.

In Times Square, the NBC Astrovision hosts the 59th MINUTE, a project of the public art advocacy group Creative Time. During the last minute of each hour one minute video art clips are displayed on the 30 by 40 foot monitor for the enjoyment, and sometimes bewilderment of the thousands of pedestrians down below.

Currently showcased on the immense display is Broken Mirror, work by Beijing-native artist Song Dong. Through a series of juxtaposed video clips Dong explores the struggle between traditional Chinese lifestyles and modern routines by digitally crashing through the imagery. Broken Mirror aims to command attention and thought from viewers during each of the sixty-second video montages.

In mid-town on 56th and Madison, Sony Wonder Labs offers another perspective on the collision of art and technology. This free technology and entertainment museum offers media workshops, exhibits exploring the properties of fiber optics and 3-D design, and weekly film screenings.

Upcoming events include gaming presentations, “Wonderween” a Halloween event hosted at the Lab, and an interactive exhibit featuring projects from New York University’s Interactive Telecommunications Program.

If you go:

Creative Time’s 59th Minute project
Times Square
Clips air during the last minute of each hour from 6 a.m. - 1 a.m.
With the exception of the hours of 7-10 a.m. and 6-7 p.m.

Sony Wonder Labs
56th Street & Madison Ave
(212) 833-8100
Open Tuesday – Sunday
Admission is free

P.S.1 MoMA
12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Thursday - Monday
Suggested Donation
22-25 Jackson Ave
Long Island City 11101
(718) 784-2084