Artist Statement

Hellhunt is an application based upon the use of so-called vision algorithms, a way of enabling computers to detect and distinguish geometrical configurations inside pictures. The active algorithm in this piece traces down the diabolic symbol of the reversed pentagram on images stored on the Internet. When the program hits an image that corresponds with the algorithm, it draws the lines of the hidden pentagram on it. Furthermore, it saves the address of the page
and sends an e-mail to it, kindly demanding the removal of the harmful image. Combined with the growing paranoia surrounding the Internet the program puts forward important issues of censorship and the freedom of speech. The phrase: ”The devil inherent in the picture”, gets a new meaning.

• Thomas Broomé (SE) received an MFA in Fine Arts at Konstfack, Stockholm, Sweden in  1999. Since then he has worked part time as an artist/researcher at the Interactive Institute in the Smart Studio team that -among other things- developed the game ”BrainBall”. As an independent artist Thomas has done several critically acclaimed exhibitions in Sweden and internationally. He is also an appreciated lecturer/teacher within the field of media-art. And employed as teacher at the Valand Art academy in Gothenburg. Thomas has received the two prestigious Swedish grants: Maria Bonnier-Dahlin Foundation for young artists and Konstnärsnämndens arbetsstipendium. For list of exhibitions see here, p. 74-75