The work is an example of code communicating between distant nodes in order to discover, manipulate and display visual content according to rules and random elements.
I have implemented search agents and scripts to build sequences of composite images from the found materials.
* agents traverse the www - loading webpages storing any image files found
* batches of stored images are manipulated by scripts and laid out to form composite images.
* images are uploaded to a web server where they are displayed in sequence
At present the bulk of this is implemented as Perl scripts and in open-source software such as apache and firefox.
In the context of Subtle Technologies 2009 I am proposing an exhibition of this work as projected image sequences on wall or ceiling. It could be placed in a gallery space or traffic area associated with the conference.
The image-gathering and processing will be done from my location either here in Australia or perhaps at the conference and the images uploaded to the computer which drives the projections. I will actively monitor the remote system and manipulate the gathering/processing systems during the period of exhibition.
My intention with this line of work is to continue to develop a particular look and style with which I am already engaged in my video and image-making practice - whilst developing new means of image-collecting. I have been attempting to interrogate themes of perception, recognisibility and saturation through a montage of original and repurposed media images.
The best indication of what parts of the work would look like are the working examples of images on the blog: http://landurchin.blogspot.com. There is a certain amount of reference to the idea of a'mash-up' (as a current slogan describing the joining together of disparate media content) - as much as more established forms such as collage and system-oriented visual art such as minimalism.
Certain aspects - such as my attitude to the literal appropriation of images and inevitable violations of condtions-of-use and copyright - will develop alongside the code and compositional approach.
The technical requirements for the work are:
* a reasonably powerful computer (Pentium Core-Duo2 or AMD equivalent) and linux OS (ubuntu, RedHat or something similar) located at the conference site: this runs the webserver and webclient (a modified copy of FireFox)...
* a fast internet connection - ie. through the wired or wireless network in the conference centre, DSL modem or a metropolitan wireless service.
* I require full access to computer via SSH and some screen-sharing software, such as VNC in order to install the software and maintain the work.
* A video projector connected to the display output of this computer. Using either a wall or ceiling as the screen.
