RESIDENT

A virtual being, created through virtual reality technology, is enclosed in a container reminiscent of an incubator or a sarcophagus. It responds to human speech with movement, sounds and shape changes. It may be observed through a narrow visor with a microphone mounted below, to catch the spectator's voice. RESIDENT refers to myths and legends about the creation of artificial life-forms. Its construction is inspired by alchemical processes. The creature's appearance and behavior have a precise numerical definition (key numbers are one, two, four and seven). It is presented as an immaterial luminous field (analogous to astral bodies or auras). The fact that we can perceive it sensorily does not verify its real existence - it is a mere phantom, provoking questions about the relationship between reality and illusion. Prizes: Ars Electronica '96: Honorary Mention (Interactive Arts) Exhibition history: Orbis Fictus, National Gallery, Prague, 1995 Laterne Magique, La Laiterie, Strassbourg, 1998 Enter Multimediale, Prague, 2000 Laboratory of Contemporary Art, National Gallery, Prague, 2000 - 2002 Number of existing clones: 2 Installation view: Scheme image Hardware (installation): SGI O2, MIPS R5000 180 MHz, 256 MB RAM, 2 GB HDD, video board, system camera Software (installation): IRIX 6.3, Performer 2.0, custom software Realization team: Milan Gustar Petr Hejda Milan Gustar Petr Hejda Pavel Rejholec Jan Stehlik Petr Svarovsky Thanks to: Alias, A|W Graph, Prosolvia Clarus Inc., Expert Service s.r.o., MultiGen Inc., SGI for sponzoring SCCA Prague for support