What is our relationship to technology? How do we challenge the traditional boundaries between humanity and technology?

audiovisual generative installation, 2021

sputnik

Concept:

Conceived as an audiovisual installation ‘Sputnik’, invites viewers to reflect on the multifaceted nature of our connection to technology. The work calls visitors to reconsider the traditional perspectives of technology as either a force for good or evil, asserting that technology, like any tool, is inherently neutral. The crux of the matter lies in how humans choose to engage with technology – we can either utilize it for a positive cause, or otherwise, use it in a destructive manner. In that sense, this responsibility lies not in the inherent qualities of technology, but in the hands of its human wielders. The satellite, a man-made artifact floating far away in space, is a symbol for this dichotomy, asking the viewer to treat technology impartially and acknowledging it as an intrinsic part of our existence.

Process:

An animated CAD model of a satellite, saved as a video file, serves as the starting point for creating the graphics. The video file is imported into a Touchdesigner patch, where various generative visual effects are applied. These are controlled by the audio.

The audio component consists of a 6-minute loop that runs in Ableton Live. The audio track is separated into multiple stems, with some stems containing generative elements. Using the tdAbleton component, all stems are individually mapped to specific visual effects within Touchdesigner.

Finally, Touchdesigner is used to blend the image across three projectors and output it onto a canvas for playback.

Exhibitions:

Museumsnacht, Enschede, 2021

Museum of the Future, Enschede, 2022

Credits:

Creative Direction: Ann Gordeeva, Ilja Kolosovs

Code & Design: Ilja Kolosovs

Audio Composition: Cristi Marincu