Strange Quark Labs

ˈbər-b(ə-)liŋ

A continuous robotic performance, which extends from a previous work (nɑnkə ˈmjuːnɪkəbəl) commissioned by GoMA in Glasgow. These performing robotic organisms respond to the actual space with movement and sound by collecting live air pollution data. The organisms feed off of the air pollution, creating a burbling soundscape. Live-streamed to the virtual universe full of gelatinous sheaths generated by the audience's presence, pumping out quenelles of meaning together.

“People think that they sell oil, but in fact, they are becoming oil.” Viktor Pelevin

When we were single-cell organisms we existed in the absence of competition, essentially living forever in stasis. Evolution invites competition. Competition creates capitalism. Capitalism births corporations which strive towards a homogenous world. In the absence of competition, the corporation becomes a single-celled organism.

A multi-layer, surreal performance, creating a present perpendicular world where the organic and artificial, the real and virtual, are disjointed yet merged. Dritt-foppy-gop dittly dink, dritty-foppy-gop dittly dink dittly-dritty-gop quink.

Exhibited at GoMA, Glasgow and Middlesborough Art Weekender (Zetland Building).