Prepared and automated Pianola, four networked computers, three projectors, three screens, monitor, amplifier, speakers, sound.Custom built software to randomly play 37 different video files and to play the Pianola.

Autonomous improvisation v1, is a video anthology of some of Sydney’s most infamous solo musicians and performers. The work analyses a range of performance approaches from burlesque to sound art by recording artists in the same studio configuration. The performances happening only for the camera are then reconfigured in the gallery. A prepared pianola is linked to a network of computers and is programmed to orchestrate the video sequences, creating an ever-changing composition. This is presented via three-channels of audio–visual projection. Through non-determinist re-composition, the work questions if it is possible for improvisation to be programmed, or if this is simply a paradoxical endeavor. More significantly, Autonomous Improvisation v1 asks us to consider what is imposed on human autonomy in an increasingly computer-controlled society.

Contributing artists Adrian Bertram, The_Geek_From_Swampy_Creek, Lucas Abela, Robbie Avenaim, Peter Blamey, Monika Pazniewska, Dallas Dellaforce, Jim Denley, Peter Farrar, Robin Fox, Brian Fuata, Dale Gorfinkel, Singing Sadie, Rev. Kriss Hades, Kristina Harrison, Ian Pieterse, Marty Jay, Josh Shipton, Hirofumi Uchino, Somaya Langley, Trent Mardan, Charlie McMahon, Dave Noyze, Shannon O’Neil, Gail Priest, Rory Brown, Mark Selway, Milica Stefanovic, Matthew Stegh, Amanda Stewart, Pizzo (George Tillianakis), Clayton Thomas, Toecutter, Toydeath,Trash Vaudeville, Jon Wah, Dave Slave.