[ISEA2017] Paper: Tania Fraga & Malu Fragoso — Emergence of (Experimental) Computer Art in Brazil: Pioneers and Events

Abstract 

Keywords: Computer Art, >=4D (Either Greater or Equal to 4D), Experimental Art, University of Brasilia (Brazil)

This paper refers to the development of (Experimental) Computer Art in Brazil, during the period 2004-16, from a frame view of artists researchers involved with the commitment of producing Computer Art exhibits, mainly the annual series of exhibitions EmMeio – Art and Technology. These exhibitions address the organization and strengthening of different Computer Art groups around the country. We highlight the role of the Art Institute at University of Brasilia, pioneer in this research area, promoting spaces for discussions, courses, theoretical- practical methodologies and exhibitions. The art modalities shown use innovative devices, concepts, modes of manufacturing, organizing data and information deeply inter-mediated by computational technologies while integrated with Computer Science, Robotics, Neuroscience, Ecology, Mathematics and Physics, among others. It was possible to observe during this period how the diffusion of sensor technology, physical computing, 3D print and neuroart became more intensive on the artworks pointing out to an increasing and more pervasive use of computer technology in Art.

  • Tania Fraga is a Brazilian architect and artist with a PhD. in Communication and Semiotics at the Catholic University of Sao Paulo. She is vice-president of the Sao Paulo Institute of Mathematics and Arts. In 2010-11 she developed a Senior Post Doctoral research project at School of Communication and Arts, University of Sao Paulo, with a research grant from Sao Paulo Research Foundation, FAPESP. In the course of 1999, she developed a Post-Doctoral research project at the Centre for Advanced Inquiry in Interactive Arts and Science Technology and Art Research, UK, with a research grant from the Agency for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, CAPES. In 1991/1992/ 2010/2011 she was Visiting Scholar at the Computer Science Department at The George Washington University, USA. In 1986 she received a grant from the Fulbright Commission. She has been showing and publishing her work in many national and international events.
  • Maria Luiza P. G. Fragoso, multimedia artist with PHD In Arts and Multimedia by the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) In São Paulo (2003) and develops research on artistic experimentation in telematic environments focused on trans disciplinary aspects between art, science, technology and traditional cultures. Currently professor at the Visual Communication Design Department at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, thesis supervisor since 2005. Elected member of the National Association of Researcher in Fine Arts’s directory for the period 2010-2012. Coordinator of the research group REDEArt and Technology, trans cultural nets in multimedia and telematics, and coordinator of NANO Lab – Nucleus of Art and New Organisms.

Full text (PDF) p. 321-326