ORCHESTRA OF ANXIETY

New works by Manu Luksch and Mukul Patel - ambientTV.net

15 Oct 2005
24 Oct 2005

The participative installation piece, Orchestra of Anxiety, deploys security and surveillance technologies in an unusual and playful context, prompting visitors to reflect on their personal sense of security and their relationship with public fears (of petty crime, terrorism, etc.). Our society's collective sense of fear and the need for protection fuels the booming security industry, one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy.

Private view and live performance: Thursday 15 Sept 6 - 8 pm
Artist talk: Tuesday 4 Oct 4pm

London based new media artists Manu Luksch and Mukul Patel - known collectively as ambientTV.net - present their latest exploration of the concept of security.

Orchestra of Anxiety is a collection of work that uses materials and technologies from the security and surveillance industries in their construction. The central focus of the installation at Watermans is a harp, traditionally regarded as a sacred or metaphysical instrument associated with tranquillity, love and goodness.

However ambientTV.net's harp differs from standard harps as it is strung with razor wire, requiring the harpist to wear protective gloves while playing. The protective gloves complete data circuits when a string is touched, triggering multiple projections and sound sources in the gallery. Before playing, the harpist must first overcome the instinctive anxiety the instrument provokes.

ambientTV.NET Biography
Interdisciplinary arts production company ambientTV.NET was founded in 1999 for the conception and production of critical artworks, events, and media projects. The group are committed to developing a resource-efficient arts practice with a global sensibility, realised through independent, open, and locally-accented infrastructure. Projects typically draw together many genres, including electronic arts, dance, installation, and cuisine.

www.ambienttv.net