SIGGRAPH 2004 - Day 1

SIGGRAPH, Sunday, night one, Los Angeles – I got in late tonight after flying down form Oakland. Thought I’d check out the Fig, the Figeroa Hotel, always the hot spot when SIGGRAPH is in LA. Tonight, unexpectedly, there was a party, sponsored by Ars Electronica, the Austrian art and technology conference held in Linz in September. I ran into my old friend Christian Bauer, as well as Michael Naimark, Gerfried Stocker, and Christine Schöpf, all involved with the festival. It was good to catch up with them.

Ars Electronica was a leading edge meeting, but in the past few years has been plagued by weak themes and questionable art. This year they brought in Michael Naimark, who is perhaps best known for the Movie Map created years ago as one of the first interactive, computer-mediated video pieces. Michael is putting together a program addressing the ways technology will change society in 25 years – an appropriate number as the festival itself is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

I am staying this year at the Milner Hotel on Flower street. It is just about five blocks from the Convention Center, and while not at all “cool”, reminds me of many European businessman’s hotels I’ve stayed at. It’s clean and comfortable, and breakfast is included, as it should be at any civilized place of lodging. The room is small, but all I do is sleep there, so I don’t care. Rates are reasonable, and the location is fine. Next time you’re in LA, check it out.

© 2004 Ben Delaney