[ISEA2012] Artists Talk: Annina Rüst & Amy Alexander – THE SECRET NIGHTLIFE OF SOLAR CELLS

Artists Statement

Do solar cells have a nightlife? According to Amy Alexander and Annina Rüst, solar cells aren’t just for making green energy anymore. Discotrope is an audiovisual performance that resembles a cinematic nightclub light show. At the heart of the show is the Discotrope, a solar powered disco ball that reflects videos in a kaleidoscopic, rotating projection that encompasses the entire area, turning it into both giant movie and dance party. Discotrope’s projected visuals depict the curious history of how dancers have been represented in cinema – and how they represent themselves – from Thomas Edison to YouTube. You might be surprised…  discotrope.org

  • Annina Rüst, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, Computer Art Program, Department of Transmedia, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA.  anninaruest.com
  • Amy Alexander is an Associate Professor of Visual Arts at the University of California, San Diego, USA.  She has been making computationally-based art projects since the 1990’s. She is an algorithmic filmmaker and performer who has focused throughout her career on the fuzzy borders between media and the world. amy-alexander.com