HTTP presents Theatre of Restless Automata
the largest solo exhibition to date
by boredomresearch
=======================================================
Theatre of Restless Automata
1 September - 23 October 2005
Private View: Thursday 1 September, 7-9 pm
HTTP [House of Technologically Termed Praxis]
Gallery address:
Unit A2, Arena Design Centre,
71 Ashfield Rd,
London N4 1NY
Gallery open Friday - Sunday 12-5pm
=======================================================
Theatre of Restless Automata comprises three animated universes modelled from variations of the same computational formula. Each universe has a distinct aesthetic quality, which ranges from geometric abstraction to decorative figuration. Using computer algorithms based on scientific modelling techniques, the artists demonstrate how simple programming rules can create an infinite number of elaborate patterns. From these mosaics of pixels emerge small robotic figures (beings), which perform in a digital Otheatre of lifeO.
In RandomSeed Systems, groups of coloured pixels develop a pattern according to algorithms inspired by the mathematical model of cell growth known as Cellular Automata. The model designed by the artists produces patterns that evolve over time along an invisible grid of regular cells in a fashion reminiscent of tapestry weaving. The result is independent from the aesthetic control of the artists: a real computational creation. Biome systems consist of a set of glass portholes hung on the wall through which viewers can peer and observe virtual universes of swarming automata. Evoking a natural world of insects and micro-organisms, the artificial creatures evolve in sealed environments called Biomes, which span an acre of terrain. Limited by the two-inch diameter of the portholes, viewers can only catch a glimpse of the toing and froing of the biomesO inhabitants. Ornamental Bug Garden 001 features a formally arranged space, which is being colonised by simple mechanisms and plants created from the same algorithm. These colonies of bug like creatures are catapulted around the ornamental garden and sometimes collide with bubble pumping lifts. A sound piece is incidentally composed from the noise of these collisions.
boredomresearch are interested in building computational works, inspired by simple rules found in natural systems. They explore processes of computer modelling and the creative potential of genetic algorithms for the creation of nature-like phenomena. E
=======================================================
About boredomresearch
Vicky Isley and Paul Smith have been collaborating as boredomresearch since 2000. boredomresearch have produced a number of interactive sound applications, online projects and computational soundscapes. Their work has been recently shown at Transmediale.05, Germany; FILE04, Brazil; NOW festival 2004, Nottingham, Electrohype festival in Sweden, Garage festival in Germany, Data:base Media Event in Dublin and within online exhibitions such as VIDA 7.0 Art & Artificial Life International Competition, soundtoys.net, mobilegaze.com and Dots & Line online exhibition.
Ornamental Bug Garden 001 has been awarded honorary mention in Transmediale.05, International Media Arts Festival, Berlin and VIDA 7.0, International A-Life Electronic Arts Competition, Madrid.
Theatre of Restless Automata has been produced in collaboration with Aspex Gallery and Peterborough Digital Arts.
=======================================================
HTTP [House of Technologically Termed Praxis] is one of LondonOs foremost galleries dedicated to showing net art, new media and sound art. HTTP is a Furtherfield initiative in the vibrant and culturally diverse Green Lanes area of North London. HTTP works with a wide range of artists and audiences to explore the potential of current network technology and to promote distributed creativity. HTTP is supported by Arts Council of England.
Furtherfield is an online platform for the creation, promotion and criticism of net art, new media and sound art.
=======================================================
For more information about the exhibition and associated events, please visit http://www.http.uk.net/ and http://www.furtherfield.org/
For press information and visuals, please contact StZphanie Delcroix
e-mail: stephanie@furtherfield.org
