“Holon: A Cybernetic Interface for Bio-Semiotics” presented by McCormack and Wilson
Session Title:
Experimental Arts in Public Space (full papers)
Presentation Title:
Holon: A Cybernetic Interface for Bio-Semiotics
Presentation Subtheme:
Ecologies of place
Presenter(s):
Abstract:
This paper presents an interactive artwork, “Holon”, a collection of 130 autonomous, cybernetic organisms that listen and make sound in collaboration with the natural environment. The work was developed for installation on water at a heritage-listed dock. Conceptual issues informing the work are presented, along with a detailed technical overview of the implementation. Individual holons are of three types, inspired by biological models of animal communication: composer/generators, collector/critics and disruptors. Collectively, Holon integrates and occupies elements of the acoustic spectrum in collaboration with human and non-human agents.
