Artist Statement

These dysfunctional robots explore how cybernetics has been used to construct computational models of mental processes; using feedback loops and homeostatic control systems to describe the (mis)workings of the mind.                                                Video: documentation from ISEA2011

• John Tonkin is a Sydney based media artist who has been working with new media since 1985. In 1999-2000 he received a fellowship from the Australia Council’s New Media Arts Board. His work explores interactivity as a site for physical and mental play. Recent projects have used real-time 3D animation, visualisation and data-mapping technologies and custom built and programmed electronics. His works have often involved building frameworks/tools/toys within which the artwork is formed through the accumulated interactions of its users. John lectures within the Digital Cultures Program, at the University of Sydney and is undertaking a practice based PhD in the School of Media Arts at COFA, UNSW. His current research is around cybernetics, embodied cognition and situated perception. He is building a number of nervous robots that embody computational models of mind and responsive video environments that explore situated models of perception.

Full text and images (PDF) p.  248-251