Turbulence Commission: Bonding Energy by Douglas Repetto and LoVid - Bonding Energy consists of a set of Sunsmile devices [image below] that collect and measure solar energy from seven geographically distributed sites around New York State: Columbia University, NYC; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy; University of Buffalo; Colgate University, Hamilton; free103point9’s Wave Farm, Acra; Experimental Television Center, Owego; and The Redhouse Arts Center, Syracuse. The light energy reaching the Sunsmiles’ solar panels fuels a collaborative real-time data visualization on Turbulence.org [Image above right: Screenshot of visualization].

[Image right: Sunsmile #1, free103point9 Wave Farm] Part of the larger Cross Current Resonance Transducer (CCRT) project in which the artists are developing systems for monitoring, manipulating, and interpreting natural signals such as tidal patterns and wind, Bonding Energy is focused on solar energy. Bonding Energy is a model for distributed microenergy generation, inspired by SETI@home — which harnesses the collective power of personal computers distributed worldwide — and microcredit, a loan system that supports poor or unemployed people in underdeveloped countries. Small contributions from many individuals can produce significant results. [Needs: enable Java in your browser]

Bonding Energy is a 2007 commission of New Radio and Performing Arts, Inc., (aka Ether-Ore) for its Turbulence web site. It was made possible with funding from the Murray G. and Beatrice H. Sherman Charitable Trust.

BIOGRAPHIES

Douglas Irving Repetto is an artist and teacher. His work, including sculpture, installation, performance, recordings, and software is presented internationally. He is the founder of a number of art / community-oriented groups including dorkbot: people doing strange things with electricity, ArtBots: The Robot Talent Show, organism: making art with living systems, and the music-dsp mailing list and website. Douglas is Director of Research at the Columbia University Computer Music Center and lives in New York City.

LoVid (Tali Hinkis and Kyle Lapidus) overwhelms the senses with new media in their performances, videos, objects, and installations. LoVid has toured the US and Europe extensively performing, exhibiting, and lecturing at PS1, The Neuberger Museum, The Butler Institute of American Art , The Center for Contemporary Art Tel Aviv, Exit Art, Evolution Festival (UK), The Kitchen, RISD, Massachusetts College of Art, FACT, Kansas City Art Institute, Chicago Art Institute, University of Wisconsin, Futuresonic Festival (UK), The New Museum of Contemporary Art, Ocularis, and Institute of Contemporary Art London among many others. LoVid has been artist in residence at Eyebeam, Harvestworks, iEAR, Alfred University, and Stevens Institute of Technology; and has received grants and awards from Experimental TV Center, NYSCA, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, and The Greenwall Foundation. LoVid and also is a free103Point9 transmission artist.