[ISEA97] Artists Statement: Han Rhyu, Nic Rotondo & Walter Reynolds (Optiflux/MediaTribe) — Symbiosis

Artists Statement

Symbiosis examines the growing associations between traditionally tectonic architecture, and the virtual architecture of the ether. It exists in this exhibition as two physically disparate spaces engaged in a cyclical relationship. The first is called Sense, and the second is called Synthesis. In each of these spaces, participants can interact with the physical architecture, and in so doing formulate, create and mutate a new public architecture in virtual space. The piece explores the possibilities of interactive, multi-participant environments, both physical and virtual, where the architectures in question generate an inter-related dialogue with sounds and virtual structures, and transmutate in response to participant interactions with the physical part of the installation. Whereas in the past, our bodies were mere inhabitants of architecture, It is now possible to create an environment where our physical interactions with architecture begin to delineate virtual functions. We are searching for all of the physical links to the ever-increasing virtual architectures that make up our Iives. We are now immersed in an age where through such technologies as video and virtual reality, and with the aid of sensors, our roles as inhabitants of our everyday shelters begins to evolve. We can now become active agents to the spaces we inhabit, our gestures effecting the virtual as well as affecting the physical architectures that surround us. In this regard, it is hoped that Symbiosis will begins to transcend the traditional boundaries inherent to the practice of architecture. As an added exploration of the Beyond Shelter installation, Symbiosis will stage a performance of Synergy, a media play in seven acts, which examines the nature of the screen, as well as our interaction with it. During its exhibition, Symbiosis will continue to evolve in response to the dialogues it generates.

  • Optiflux/MediaTribe ignited on December 31, 1995 as a col­laborative of architects, artists, musicians, designers and programmers with a shared interest in the relationship between technology and contemporary art, architecture and design.
  • Han Rhyu (USA), earned his BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1996. He is currently devel­oping interface designs and virtual environments for VREAM Labs in Chicago. His previous works have traversed such diverse boundaries as architecture, video, perfor­mance, programming and interactive design. He is current­ly fashioning interactive architectures, both tactile and vir­tual, that deal with the many aspects of our physical inter­actions with space
  • Nic Rotondo (USA) Nic earned his BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1996. He is currently a design-er and computer media artist at Chicago architecture firm VOA Associates Incorporated. His previous works in architec­ture,video, interactivity and graphic design, have explored the importance of metaphor and process to the act of design. He is currently studying the growing inter-depen­dence of virtual and tectonic architectures, concentrating on the dichotomies, symbiotics and implications of their union.
  • Walter Reynolds (U.S.A.) received his BA in architecture at Prairie View A&M University. He is currently employed with System Development Integration Inc., as well as a fac­ulty member in the Interior Architecture department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His previous works in Architecture have focused on the approach that fathoms the philosophy and outcomes of Architecture, and how this affects the social intercourse of its surrounding’s. He is cur-rently utilizing the outcomes of this approach to create intelligent architecture. Optiflux looks forward, with great anticipation, to joining the international dialog that ISEA represents.