play hydra clip>
Hydra (2003) experiments with using
continuous loops and minimal sound modulations to map the relation
between simple systems or structures that contain high levels
of organised information.
The
Hydra is a polyp from the Genus Hydrozoa and composed of a mouth,
gastric cavity and a foot process. The organinism has about
20 cell types which have specific localisation patterns along
the longitudinal axis of the Hydra. The cells that make up the
Hydra are in a constant state of turnover enabling the Hydra
to multiply and form new Hydra.
Hydra
(the video) tries to recreate this simple yet complex system
by repeating images whilst minimising the soundscape, creating
a visual mechanic closer to Donna Haraway's (Cyborg Manifesto,
1985) seminal conception of the emergence of a new metamorphic
world, a hybrid blending animal, human and machine parts.
Screened 09.03.03 as part of the Thealit Frauen. Kultur.Labor
symposium at the University of Bremen, Germany.