Mphil/ PhD Candidate, CAIIA(Centre for Advanced Inquiry in the Interactive Arts)/ Planetary Collegium, Plymouth
Visiting lecturer, University of Art And Design, Helsinki.

http://www.saunalahti.fi/~off/off/
http://realitydisfunction.org/

 Travelers in hybrid space 

In a constantly connected world the traditional distinction between the physical and virtual spaces is disappearing. Adriana de Souza e Silva, among others, has defined this kind of space as a hybrid space.  Wearable computers and various mobile media devices play a major role in the production and usage of hybrid spaces. In hybrid spaces the nodes of networks are individuals rather than computers. These mobile nodes are in direct connection with the physical space, our everyday environment and simultaneously connected to the digital space.

The current wearable computer development and design is driven mainly by the concept of ubiquitous computing. The wearable technologies are expected to be invisible and responsive to the user as well as to the environment, which is also expected to be responsive. These same desires have influenced a manifestation of an increasing amount of peculiar interfaces, which are emerging among other wearable works. These artistic and experimental works are purposely constructed to be visible, they are not necessarily designed to be convenient to wear, and they are often designed to perform a single task. The occurrence of these kinds of works can be seen as a commentary towards the technological development in the society. By rejecting the common goal for achieving a seamless experience between the body and the environment, these kinds of experiments can be seen as systems, which visualize and question the dreams and fears of the contemporary world.

The presentation will introduce a concept of Hybronaut, which presents itself within the author’s artistic works. Hybronaut is a figure, a person, or a body, coupled with a peculiar looking wearable device. This figure becomes a kind of space traveler, who is equipped to be able to exist within hybrid space and explore its possibilities by producing a non-standardized perspective on this space, also by pointing to the restricted manners in which we are currently allowed to use hybrid spaces.

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Laura Beloff
With acclaimed international reputation as an artist, the Finnish-born Laura Beloff’s artistic works can be described as peculiar wearable objects, programmed structures and participatory, networked installations. In her pieces she combines technology fluently with various mediums ranging from video to textile, from sound to sculptural and organic materials. Many of her works deal with individuals in the global society trying to adapt to highly complex technologically enhanced world, which is becoming increasingly mobile. Collaboration with other artists, musicians and computer scientists has been one of the features typical for her working methods.
Beloff has exhibited widely in various museums, galleries and major media-art events in Europe and worldwide, recently f.e. in the Venice Biennale 2007. She has received various grants, residencies and awards; Ars Electronica -Futurelab residency 1999-00/Austria, Fulbright-grant/U.S., Air-residency 2001 /Vienna, 3-year artist grant/Finland, 2002 Vida5.0 honorary mention/Spain, 2000 File-festival the 3rd prize/Brazil, etc.
She is frequently lecturing about her research and practice in universities and at various events/conferences. She is lecturing (2007-08>)at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki.
In 1999-00 she was a visiting professor at Linz Art University, Austria.
2002-06 she was a professor for media arts at the Art Academy in Oslo, Norway.
2007-11 she was awarded a five-year grant by the Finnish state.
Currently she is working towards PhD within Planetary Collegium, The Centre for Advanced Inquiry in the Integrative Arts (MPHIL/PHD Computing, Communications & Electronics, University of Plymouth, Faculty of technology). More information on her works and cv can be found at: http://www.realitydisfunction.org