generative robotic light installation, 2021
Distributive intelligence | A group mind is an immersive, kinetic light installation. It consists of a cluster of mechanical and interactive objects, which collectively and without central control unfold emergent behavior. The installation embodies digital representations of complex systems – cellular automata like Conway’s Game of Life – through hundreds of these objects and their light communication. Such models, crucial to the understanding of the interaction of large groups of individuals, are here materialized by electronic devices and their real-life fuzziness, creating a lifelike but entirely artificial environment.
The objects form a synthetic, pseudo-societal simulation of interaction: a dance floor for robotic objects, a collective artificial intelligence, a congregated unified body of individuals. The work implements a self-organizing system, reflecting the dynamics of different forms of collaboration and social interaction. Intricate patterns of behavior emerge from the group: from eclectic to fluid and contemplative.
A major inspiration of the work is the fragile state of organic conduct in complex systems: the rare moment of lifelike organization between the utter chaos of entropy and the total stagnation of solid arrangements. The installation mimics these delicate conditions by the means of a highly sensitive and reactive environment that tries to keep itself in balance.
Direct interaction with such a simulation of a multitude of hundreds of interacting individual elements challenges our ability to grasp complex entanglement. Through this detailed manifestation, insights about the complex system of our planet become evident, particularly with regard to the various systemic crises we face.
« It matters what matters we use to think other matters with; it matters what stories we tell to tell other stories with; it matters what knots knot knots, what thoughts think thoughts, what descriptions describe descriptions, what ties tie ties. It matters what stories make worlds, what worlds make stories. » Donna J. Haraway, Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene
_Exhibitions
10.2024 UnHolyLight – Leuven (BE)
09.2024 Sonica – Glasgow (UK)
05.2023 ISEA2023 (International Symposium on Electronic Art) – Paris / laureate, online & showcase
02.2023 SerendiCity – Westkowloon Cultural District – Hong Kong
10.2022 Criatech – Aveiro (PT)
05.2022 ADAF (Athens Digital Arts Festival) – Athens (GR)
07.2021 Kunstraum Walcheturm – Zürich (CH)
_Project credits
<> Concept, design, programming: Lukas Truniger
<> Production support: Bipolar
<> Scientific mentor: Jean-Paul Delahaye
<> Production expertise & tool conception: Christophe Gregório
<> Design advice: Dominique Noli
<> Production assistant: Chloé Taverregniet
_Support
+ Pro Helvetia, Swiss Arts Council
+ DICRéAM – Centre National du Cinéma (CNC)
+ Région Haut-de-France
+ La Folie Numerique
+ Villettemakerz
