“Conversation Pieces: Art Objects from Rare Earth Elements” presented by Ribeaux

Symposium:

• ISEA2016: 22nd International Symposium on Electronic Art
• More presentations from ISEA2016:  

• Disc*very Channel: Philonature

• Conversation Pieces: Art Objects from Rare Earth Elements

• Tiare Ribeaux

Venue(s):

• Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR China

• Rare Earth Elements have rapidly become pervasive in our modern electronic lives, existing in every touch response screen, laptop, solar cell, and hybrid car. They amplify fiberoptic data transmission and enable precision guided weapons. Though only used in trace amounts, the demand for REEs has increased exponentially due to their far reaching uses and their unique catalytic, magnetic, and phosphorescent properties. Despite this, public knowledge of both the geological and geopolitical realm in which these elements are mined, alchemized, and dispersed is little to none. “Conversation Pieces REEs” prompts the creation of art objects u sing Rare Earth Elements in the form of alloys or powders into wearable art that will spark conversation about the origins, geophiloshophies, environmental ramifications, and uses of Rare Earth Elements that is typically left out of everyday dialogue. There are three types of art objects proposed using recently accessible satellite imagery, 3D sculpting softwares, laser cutting and 3D printing technologies.

Video:

• Mineral Ghosts and Rare Earth Bacteria from Southern Exposure on Vimeo.

Category:

• Artist Talk