A theory of Cybernetic-Existentialism is proposed to offer a new critical perspective on technological performance art. Case studies of Wafaa Bilal, Stelarc and Steve Mann are used to demonstrate how core ideas and themes from both cybernetics and existentialism are increasingly converging in contemporary arts.

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©2019 ISAST
2019
ISAST

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Propel: Body and Ear on Robot Arm

The body’s trajectory, velocity and position / orientation are choreographed by a six degree-of-freedom industrial robot arm. After 30 min the body is replaced by a body scaled ear of the artist. The robot that choreographs the ear is the robot that carved the ear. (© Autronics / Lawrence Wilson Gallery, Perth 2016)

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ReWired / ReMixed: Event for Dismembered Body

Continuously for 5 days, 6 hours each day the body could only see with the eyes of someone in London, hear with the ears of someone in New York, whilst anyone, anywhere could access the artist’s arm and remotely actuate it. An outsourcing of senses and a sharing agency. (© Radical Ecologies, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, Perth 2016)

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StickMan / miniStickMan

For a continuous 5 hour performance the body was algorithmically actuated using a six degree-of-freedom exoskeleton. By manipulating the limbs of the miniStickMan visitors could insert their own choreography into the performance. A kind of electronic voodoo manipulation. (© HyperPrometheus, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, Perth 2018)

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