Abstract
We are interested in discussing and exploring the intermingling of non-human agency, degrees of aliveness and alien life. Through the Proto-Alien Project (Proto-A), we investigate the synthesis and use of extraterrestrial organic matter (ETOM) as an active medium for artistic expression. We particularly focus on the ability to self-assemble, the morphogenetic tendencies and the non-linear behaviour of non-terrestrial material assemblages in liquids other than water. Largely, this project is a framework, a multi-disciplinary laboratory of ideas and experiments at the intersection of astrobiology, chemistry and media art. Our aim is to use ETOM to grow soft, kinetic and intelligent agents: autonomous ‘others’ that thrive and avoid equilibrium on extraterrestrial environments —a new type of alien material agency, yet unknown to humankind.
Correction Statement
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Notes
1 ARTSAT is a collaboration between Tama Art University and The University of Tokyo (http://artsat.jp).
2 Oscillation, bifurcation, synchronization, collective motion and spatio- temporal pattern formation.
3 The first exhibition of the Proto-A project will take place on December 2020 at the Art-Theque gallery of Tama Art University, Tokyo, Japan.