Analog Neural Networks: Art, Electronics & the Brain

Description
Generative art mimics the mechanisms of self evolving biological systems to produce compelling organic forms. This practice is most commonly carried out in computer software and translated into physical forms. This lecture seeks to merge the ideas of generative and evolutionary computing with the study of neural networks to produce dynamical behavior in physical electronic devices.

We will discuss basic neurobiology and how to translate the behavior of idealized biological neurons into simple electronic circuits. You will learn the theory behind the construction of neuron-like circuits from basic parts available at Radioshack. We'll discuss network sciences and their applications in the arts and beyond.


Lecturer
Phillip Stearns (AKA Pixel Form) is a practitioner of sonic and visual arts; music composer and performer; electronics sculptor and installation artist. He views technology as a site for exploring the global society-environment system and how changes in the relationship between society and environment manifest in our technology—particularly as solutions to a cascading set of problems created by contemporary culture. Through the medium of networked systems, his work explores the horizons of information, politics, noise, control, proximity, subversion, corruption, interconnectedness and interrelatedness. Central to his practice as a visual artist and a performer are the use of custom electronics, hand-craft, hardware hacking, media technologies, and iterative processes marked by a judicial use of materials, restraint, simplicity, a careful balance between conceptual depth and playfulness. He has presented, performed, lectured, exhibited, led workshops, and screened works at various festivals, conferences, residencies, museums and institutions around the US, Latin America and Northern Europe.

Date:
Wednesday May 19th, 7:00PM - 10:00PM

Location:
573 Metropolitan (btw Lorimer & Union), Brooklyn