Hindsight is Always 20/20

As the Faces lamented in "Oh La La": I wish that I knew what I know now/When I was younger. Truer words are rarely spoken. In "Hindsight Is Always 20/20," New York-based artist and composer R. Luke Dubois explores this irony with a visual pun. In his 43 prints and light boxes, Dubois creates a Snellan chart (eye charts used in doctor's offices for vision testing) for each president using transcripts of their "State of the Union" addresses. Words used most frequently appear at the top of a president's Snellan chart, words used less frequently appear toward the bottom. The end result is a fascinating peek at buzz words, political rhetoric, and the American psyche throughout U.S. history. For example, Ronald Reagan's chart features words such as "deficits," "veto," and "needy" toward the top. Bill Clinton has words including "internet," "ban," and "millennium." Anyone taking bets on where "terror" will appear on George W. Bush's chart? Reception party features live music by the Dubois, as well as local DJ Etones from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, October 11.
Aug. 23-Jan. 4, 2008