Interface was curated by Simon Biggs and Claudio Pompili after the Australia Council's report in to technology in the arts and using the Adelaide Festival as a venue.
It was touted as the first art and technology event in Australia. It wasn't of course, given Stan Ostoja-Kotkowski's Sound and Image performances at the Adelaide Festival from 1964 and Computers and Electronics in the Arts at Australia 75. However, whether or not it was the first, it did make several predictions as to the importance of information technology (i.e., computers) in contemporary society especially as to its now largely realised value in communications between people.
At a seminar that was part of the Interface program, several questions arose. For example there is the question of just what are artists interested in using technology for? (or why are they interested in using it?). In response Paula Dawson spoke of the vast information content of the hologram, and suggested that considerable co-operation is required between artists and scientists in working with technologies like holography so as to render them as viable communications mediums.
Alan Vizents suggested that “the creative use of technology provid[ed] 'new models of intervention into society” and “described information technology as 'a flexible tool that could spread through society sidestepping barriers'.”
Other questions related to access to the technology and an art and technology centre was proposed for Adelaide, although this was probably not a pre-cursor in any direct way to ANAT, rather more of a recognition of some sort of desirable arrangement. In support of this Tristram Cary argued that there was “a 'bottom level' of resource below which nothing could be done. Artist access to expensive equipment is a problem that must be addressed immediately if any real progress is to be made in the field.”1
INTERFACE
a survey of art and technology
March 1-16, Adelaide Festival of Arts, 1984
INTERFACE is an initiative of the South Australian Ministry of Technology and the South Australian Visual Arts Committee. A survey of recent Australian and international artwork utilising modern technology. A wide range of artists are represented by performances, installations and wall works in areas including holography, music, video, computers, telecommunications, robotics, xerography and electronics.
The Centre Gallery - ground floor, 31 flinders st, adelaide
mon - frid: 9am - 5pmThe Union Gallery - level 6, union house, adelaide university
mon - f rid: 11am - 6pm
sat - sun: 2 - 5 pmArtists Week, Fringe Centre - cnr north tce. and morphett st, adelaide
mon - sun: 11am - 6.30pm
admission free except where otherwise indicated.
INSTALLATIONS
Robert Randall/Frank Bendinelli (both b. 1948) Melbourne
VIDEO AS ART/SPACES video installation
A series of twelve passages exploring the language of video within the broader context of art history.
Gary Benson (b. 1943) Adelaide
Z.AP computer designed tapestry
KNEES ANALYSIS computer designed tapestry
Exploits the texture of tapestry, the resolution of t.v. and the computer to produce work that crosses the art/craft boundary.
Simon Biggs (b. 1957) Adelaide
THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM computer video and multimedia
Contrasts living and non-living systems via the computer, exploring the distinction between formal language and general communication using an artificial system based on DNA.
Joan Brassil (b. 1919) Sydney
STRANGER IN THE LANDSCAPE cosmic ray chambers installation
STRANGER IN THE LANDSCAPE video installation
“time makes rhythms for earth decisions and visions, visions, visions ...” The
relationship between life, growth and energy.
Peter Callas (b. 1952) Sydney
KIRU UMI NO YONI (CUTTING LIKE THE OCEAN) video installation
A view of a Japan still living under the cloud of Hiroshima and the resulting cultural confusion.
Paula Dawson (b. 1954) Melbourne
WORKING MODEL ONE holographic installation
Space and light shift in relation to each other wit hin the structure of classical architecture.
Robert Duffield (b. 1955) Adelaide
UNTITLED xerox mural
Reproduction and modular repetition.
Clifford Frith (b. 1924) Adelaide
OMEGA WAVE neon installation
Neon, water and rhythms of pulsing light.
Fiona Hall (b. 1953) Adelaide
4 UNTITLED POP-UP BOOKS 3D xerox books
7 MORALITY DOLLS (AFTER BRUEGEL THE ELDER): THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS (AVARICE, PRIDE, ENVY, ANGER, GLUTTONY, LECHERY AND SLOTH)
xerox doll figures
Private and popular myth of the macabre expressed through media reminiscent of childhood.
John Hansen (b. 1946) Melbourne
PRE-CONJURER interactive computer graphics
Audience and the art-object (computer) combine to produce the complete artwork.
Felix Hess (b. 1941) Netherlands
CHIRPING AND SILENCE interactive cybernetic audio sculpture
Developed through research into the communication patterns of frogs, this installation interacts with both its environment and its individual components creating varying densities of sound.
Derek Kreckler (b. 1952) Sydney
UNTITLED xerox installation
Space and environment defined by the reproduced image.
Alvin Lucier (b. 1931) U.S.A.
MUSIC ON A LONG THIN WIRE audio sculpture
(installed at the Festival centre, 1st floor foyer)
A composer that has revolutionised our concept of music by redefining the roles of the composer, performer, listener in relationship to the spaces in which the work is presented.
Martin Munz/Stephen Wigg (b. 1946/b. 1951) Darwin
UNTITLED video installation
Australian and American mass-media under the drone of B-52 bombers.
Sue Richter (b. 1949) Adelaide
BLOOD ON THE SADDLE video installation
Political assassination, the media and the physicality of the artwork become ambiguous in their inter-relationships.
Neil Roberts (b. 1954) Canberra
FRACTURES NUMBER TWO neon installation
Neon and glass in a site specific construction.
David Warren (b. 1952) Adelaide
SURFACE TENSION hologram
Developed through investigations into holography as an art medium at Adelaide University.
PERFORMANCE
Felix Hess (b. 1941) Netherlands
CHIRPING AND SILENCE interactive cybernetic audio sculpture
Developed through research into the communication patterns of frogs, this installation interacts with both its environment and its individual components creating varying densities of sound.
Union Gallery. Adelaide Uni: March 1 - 16, 12.00p.m. and 2.00p.m.
Daniel Kahans (b. 1934) Melbourne
ROLE REVERSAL - THEATRE OF SIMULTANEITY
A play about people and their emotions, in particular, the overt and covert hostility of a woman towards her professional adviser and the "professional class" in society. Featuring Amanda Levy, Julian Ben Kahans, Jennie Boyle and Daniel Kahans.
The Fringe Club: March 9, 11.00 p.m.
Artists Week, Fringe Centre: March 11. 11.00am
Union Gallery, Adelaide University: March 12 - 16. 8.00pm
Tickets at Gallery: $4.50/$3.50.
Derek Kreckler (b. 1952) Sydney
TELL EVERYONE performance and electro-media
RADIOING ... SOMETIMES MYTH ARTISTS
DESIRE/OBSESSION
Artists Week, Fringe Centre: March 12, 14, 15, 11.00am.
Robert Randall (b. 1948) Melbourne
ANOTHER SPACE AT ARLES performance and video
Spatial relationships explored in performance/fine art imagery.
Union Gallery, Adelaide Uni: March 6, 12.00pm, 1.30pm, 3.00pm and 6.00pm.
Alistair Riddell (b. 1955) Melbourne
COMPUTER CONTROLLED PIANO: NEW INSTRUMENT, NEW PERFORMER
Compositions for computer controlled pianos in concert.
Artists Week, Fringe Centre: March 11, 4.00pm
Elder Hall, Adelaide University: March 13, 8.00pm. $5.50/$3.50
Wills Court, Adelaide University: March 17, 3.30pm. $4/$2.
MUSIC
FELIX HESS CHIRPING AND SILENCE – interactive cybernetic audio sculpture.
Developed through research into the communication patterns of frogs, this installation interacts with both its environment and its individual components creating varying densities of sound.
Union Gallery: March 1 - 16
Performances at 12.00 noon and 2.00pm.
ALVINLUCIER MUSIC ON A LONG THIN WIRE - for audio oscillators and electronic monochord.
Festival Centre, 1st floor, foyer: March 1 - 5, 10.00am - 5.00pm (continuous performance).
INTERFACE I A multi-media concert entitled "SSHIHH!!" and featuring Composers' Collective, RLE, SA Flute Society and Bruce McKelvie.
Programme will include:
McKelvie: COASTLINE
RLE: music of Robert Lloyd
Wilson: ..in this fragile moment
Joseph: Through Tropical Stars.
Union Gallery: February 29, 8.00 pm. Tickets: $2.
INTERFACE II A concert of live and electronic music featuring RLE.
Programme will also include works by Pompili, Senn, Wesley-Smith, Tahourdin, Parish and Hirst.
Union Gallery: March 8, 12.30pm. Tickets: $2.
INTERFACE III A concert featuring computer controlled pianos, electronic music and Adelaide Percussions.
Programme will include works by Riddell, Morgan, Hummel, Smith, Brindle.
Elder Hall, Adelaide University: March 13, 8.00pm.
Tickets: $5.50/$3.50.
INTERFACE IV A concert of percussion and electronic music featuring works by Adelaide Percussions, Morgan, Wesley-Smith and Tahourdin.
Elder Hall, Adelaide University: March 14, 9.00pm.
Tickets: $5.50/$3.50.
INTERFACE V Tristram Cary presents ECHOES 'TILL SUNSET.
An informal multi-media concert. Bring cushions/umbrellas and enjoy yourself in an outdoor setting. Refreshments available.
Programme will include electronic and instrumental works by Cary, Riddell, Edwards, Polglase, Tahourdin and Chadabe.
Wills Court, Adelaide University: March 17, 3.30pm - 6.30pm.
Tickets: $4/$2.
AUDIO/VISUAL LOUNGE
Union Gallery and Coffee Shop
An Australia-wide selection of audio and video cassettes by artists and composers. Includes works by both well-known and less-known artists. Although not a complete collection it aims to be as comprehensive as possible of the various activities occurring in these media. Also included is a small selection of overseas work.
A feature of the Lounge will be an installation by Tom Ellard of Severed Heads, a computerised arts information network by Jacques Goldman of the EAF and slide documentation of works by lan Hamilton.
The Lounge is in the Loft of the Union Gallery. Please select a tape for your pleasure and ask the attendant to play it for you.
SEMINARS
John D. Mooney - ART AND TECHNOLOGY.
Eric Gidney - TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN ART.
Paula Dawson - HOLOGRAPHY.
John Hansen - COMPUTERS AND ART.
Peter Callas - VIDEO AS ART.
Alvin Lucier - MUSIC AND TECHNOLOGY
Daniel Kahans - SPOKEN WORD SIMULTANEITY.
Robert Randall/Frank Bendinelli - VIDEO ART.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Artists' Access Audio works will gain airplay on ABC-FIVI, 5MIVIM and 5UV.
Radio/TV. ABC-FM's "Acoustica Nova" at 9.30pm on Friday February 24,
March 2, 9 and 16 will feature works from INTERFACE.
It is envisaged that work by visual artists (video, computer graphics, performance, etc) will be shown on ABC-TV later in the year on the programme "Towards 2000".
ARTEC A major programme in Secondary Schools aimed at encouraging creative use of technology. This will include an exhibition at the Centre Gallery in December 1984, which will then tour to regional centres.
Artists-in-Residence An important facet of INTERFACE. Four artists working in computer aided design have been placed at the CaddsMan Bureau. Two artists working in holography at the Adelaide University and four others with Rank Xerox. A team of writers have been provided with word-processing equipment by Micro Byte Systems and Adler Business Machines.
Workshops Artists will be giving workshops on their techniques and ideas.
Interested participants can contact INTERFACE EXHIBITION on 227 4964 for more information.
- 1. Brian Abraham, “Interface – a Punctuation Mark?”, Artlink, May-June, 1984, 12-13.
