And so to The Auxiliary project space in Middlesbrough this week with artist and curator Lizz Brady.
Lizz is helping me to build a large scale installation to reflect on the themes of technology and connectedness that I have been investigating for my project In Search of Silicon Valley.
So far the build is going really well – we have two of the structures in place and it has been super satisfying to be making things rather than writing lines of code.
Somewhat predictably, there are teething problems with the technology. We have visuals but no sound; sound but no silence when we want it; cables but no connection. All probably to be expected, and hopefully nothing that cannot be resolved with a bit of trial and error, brute force and/or cold hard logic.
But it does remind me just how complex technology is, how many potential points of failure there are and how much of a modern miracle it all is.
If you are in Middlesbrough this week do call in to see how we get on and let us know your thoughts on art, tech and the internet.
Pics: Lizz Brady
With thanks to The Auxiliary and Arts Council England
In 1967 Richard Brautigan dared to imagine a technological dreamland where ‘mammals and computers live together in mutually programming harmony like pure water touching clear sky’. Forty-five years later, how’s that looking?
My project In Search of Silicon Valley approaches its conclusion next week with an opportunity to draw everything together and prototype some new work.
A Cybernetic Meadow will be an experimental installation, build and Open Studio hosted by The Auxiliary, Middlesbrough and curated by Lizz Brady. Over seven days we will build a series of structures that explore our relationship to technology. Are we addicted to our phones? Is social media infantilising us? How can we process the deluge of information that is available to us? Visitors will be able to walk in, through and around animations and soundscapes.
The result will be an opportunity to step back and reflect, and ask ourselves where we are heading.
There will also be new animations, plus a new soundscape and lighting experiments.
So join us in Middlesbrough next week if you can – would be great to see you.
With thanks to Arts Council England and The Auxiliary, Middlesbrough.
