[ISEA2013] Artist Statement: Josh Wodak — ISEA Bright Future (Archangle Assemblages)

Artist  Statement

Cooperate to pedal a tune … participants on five custom-modified stationary bicycles generate audiovisual rhythms, actively ‘playing’ the work as an instrument. Through communal electricity generation, the work explores embodied energy, ecological sustainability and cooperation in biological organisms. Powered solely by participants’ pedalling, it also references biomimesis of bioluminescence in fireflies, as they synchronise their flashing. The title, pronounced ‘I See A Bright Future’, references the role of cooperation and negotiation in producing a future that will be dominated by how ‘brightness’ (ie. lights/energy) is produced. ISEA Bright Future is an Archangle Assemblage, commissioned by ISEA2013, produced through artist residencies at SCANZ: 3rd Nature and Parramatta Artist Studios, and supported by ISEA2013, Parramatta City Council and ARTcycle.
Curated by the College of Fine Arts, UNSW and the City of Sydney.
isea.arch-angle.net

Concept, Artistic Director, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Production Manager: Josh Wodak.
Creative Producer: Carli Leimbach.
Associate Producer: Greer Allen.
Mechatronics Engineer, Systems Designer, Fabricator: Rohan Story.
Interaction Incubator, Production Assistant: Grant Moxom.
Consultant Electrical Engineer and Programmer: Andrew Hornblow

  • Dr. Josh Wodak (AU) is an interdisciplinary artist and researcher whose participatory projects and interactive installations explore ecological sustainability and environmentalism. His work explores relationships between art, science and technology, involving interdisciplinary collaborations with fellow intermedia artists, designers, social scientists, computer scientists, engineers and technologists. These projects have been presented as performances, screenings, installations and exhibitions in art galleries, museums, theatres, performative spaces, cinemas, and festivals across Australia. His ongoing body of work, Good [Barrier] Grief (2011-present), uses participatory practice in photomedia, video art, sound art and interactive installations to explore the development of post-fossil fuel futures in relation to energy production and climate change.