Panel Statement

Panel: Artificial Life

The hyperreal simulacra of the robot world goes beyond the simulation of life on a computer screen. Robots are not only virtual models but also dynamic and evolving phenomena embodied in matter. Real Artificial Worlds incarnates fictitious habitats composed of machines and their immaterial and expressive extensions. These invented ecosystems evolve around the viewers, constantly creating new virtual architectures within a fixed physical space. Real Artificial Worlds engenders a paradox of simultaneous illusion and reality by a complete immersion of the viewer in a metaphorical but physically responsive environment.

• Louis-Philippe Demers, Canada. Born in Montreal in 1959, he is a lighting designer, software engineer and independent electronic artist. His main works are audio-visual robotic installations and interactive performances. He completed one year of doctoral studies in robotics (McGill) and was artist-in-residence at The Banff Centre (Media Arts).
• Bill Vorn, Canada Born in Montreal in 1959, Bill Vorn is now making music with noise using computers and digital processing. He is also working on a Communication Ph.D. thesis at University du Quebec a Montreal.