HTTP presents Theatre of Restless Automata

[furtherfield]

*HTTP presents Theatre of Restless Automata *
the largest solo exhibition to date
by boredomresearch

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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
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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 ‘theatre of life’.

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 biomes’ 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.  

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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.
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HTTP [House of Technologically Termed Praxis] is one of London’s 
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.

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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 Stéphanie Delcroix
e-mail: stephanie at furtherfield.org

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