Performances

-logy | casperelectronics

Vanessa Gageos | Peter Edwards

Wed, Jan 30, 2013
7 pm

-logy

-logy is a "science fiction" performance representing the border between controlled and uncontrolled technology, exploring the exchanged energy between humans and technology. Online networks have become a pervasive part of our daily lives. Through the Internet we connect ourselves to different systems, like social platforms, online gaming networks, etc. Being part of a network gives us the feeling of belonging to a community that does respect certain rules although it has no direct center or leader. By connecting, we diminish our freedom simply by belonging to a community or extending ourselves. By connecting to networks, technology has finally invaded our bodies. Will it eventually be able to survive on its own, independent of our control, or will it always be an exchange of survival energy between human and technological forms? -logy exploits the idea of energy exchange between the two: Technology becomes alive with human help. Become connected with the help of technology and be part of the emerging network.


casperelectronics

This audiovisual performance by musical instrument designer and circuit-bender Peter Edwards (aka Casperelectronics) occupies a sonic territory between noise and melody, chaos and structure. Using the Benjolin Light Synth, his own modification of engineer/artist Rob Hordijk’s Benjolin synthesizer, Casperelectronics creates an intense soundscape reminiscent of an analog modem trying to transmit data over outer-space radio waves, all accompanied by a constantly flickering RGB code. The light display utilizes three high intensity LEDs in red, green and blue. Combining these three colors allows full spectrum color mixing. Signals taken from the audio circuitry are used to control the three LEDs independently. The lights can be configured in a variety of ways to respond to the circuitry. In some cases, the relationship between what you hear and what you see will be very obvious, in others it will be less obvious or not at all. Regardless, the sound and light always comes from the same circuitry and are linked on some level. A modular and DIY approach characterizes Peter Edwards’ work. Edwards is keen on destabilizing preconceptions of role and function as well as dissolving the barriers between producer and consumer. Particularly to this end, he employs the practice of electronics hacking and circuit-bending of common technologies to illustrate that function need not be dictated to the end user.