Fashionable Technology Research Consortium

Fashionable Technology Report February & March 2010

SUMMER SCHOOL ::: LIVING MATTER
International Summer School 2010, KHM Cologne in cooperation with FU Freie Universität Berlin
LIVING MATTER
ART & RESEARCH & SCIENCE STUDIES IN BIOLOGICAL LABORATORIES
July, 18 - 23, 2010
Biological laboratories as sites of artistic and epistemic practice have enabled research that informs humanities, arts, and sciences. During the last decades various laboratory studies have established descriptive modes and methods of investigation. For instance, Hans-Jörg Rheinbergers concept of 'epistemic objects', the notion of Bruno Latour on objects as agents and 'science in action' as well as Karin Knorr Cetinas investigations on the reconfigurations of relations to the world within laboratories. Furthermore, artists have explored the hidden agendas and practices of biological laboratories in various projects, such as Hannes Rickli's long term study "Überschuss. Videogramme des Experimentierens" or the work at SymbioticA-Centre of Excellence in Biological Arts.
The summer school brings together artists and researchers who work in the context of biological laboratories. Besides methodological and theoretical discussions we want to stimulate the exchange between research in arts and humanities. We would also like to mediate experience of laboratory work by practical exercises, e.g. in the KHM Laboratory for Experimental Computer Science (lab III). Therefore, the program includes project presentations by the participants, BioArt and laboratory workshops in addition to plenary and public lectures. MA- and PhD Students of Philosophy, STS, Art, and Humanities can apply until 2010, March 15th. Costs for travel expenses to and accommodation in Cologne will be covered.
Please send a project description (2-3 pages) and CV (1 page + list of exhibitions if applicable) to Prof. Dr. Peter Bexte, e-mail:[email protected]. Offer of acceptance by 2010 April, 1st
http://www.fu-berlin.de/embodiedinformation


CALL FOR FASHION DESIGNERS ::: INTIMACY LOTUS & INTIMACY BLACK
DEADLINE: April 15, 2010
V2_Lab
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Artist Daan Roosegaarde and V2_Lab are looking for two fashion designers (M/F) to contribute to the 'Intimacy' series. 'Intimacy White' (2009), the first dress in the series, is made out of smart foil that becomes transparent when electrified. The distance of a spectator to the dress determines the level of transparency. This first dress received a lot of media attention and is considered highly successful. V2_Lab and Daan Roosegaarde now intend to make a series of 'Intimacy' dresses, each playing with a different material to create a sensual play of shared control.
V2_Lab and Daan Roosegaarde are looking for:
•    Recently graduated or senior year fashion designers (M/F);
•    He or she must be able to participate in thought process along the lines set out by V2_Lab and Studio Roosegaarde in the preliminary stages and therefore must be a good team player;
•    He or she must be ambitious and determined to achieve our request for success;
•    The project starts on 1 May 2010. It is a full-time position for a period of 8 weeks.
What we offer:
•    Access to functioning new technology, an existing prototype and an artist' Impression of the intended final product;
•    A workplace at V2_Lab;
•    The opportunity to collaborate with an experienced, interdisciplinary team;
•    Technical support and backup;
•    Exhibition of the end result;
•    Name credit.
Please send your resume/portfolio and motivation before 15 April, preferably by email, to [email protected]
V2_Institute for the Unstable Media
Attn. Piem Wirtz
Eendrachtsstraat 10
3012 XL Rotterdam
Eligible designers will be invited for an interview end of April.
http://www.v2.nl/lab/projects/intimacy


SYMPOSIUM ::: GREEN DESIGN
Symposium for Sustainable Design Strategies
Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin
John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, 10557 Berlin
April 7 - 8, 2010, 10 am – 5 pm
The newly established Laboratory for Sustainable Design Strategies - GREENLAB initiative across all design departments at the Art College Weissensee Berlin aims to support, inspire and create innovative approaches to the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly and ethical products, services and systems. It connects higher education, practice-led design research and the industry. The two-day symposium will highlight the various strategies, concepts and practices regarding sustainability issues from the perspective international researchers, technologists, designers and practitioners working in the area of ecological design. The focus will be held on the practical developments, innovative concepts and economic potential of sustainable and ecologically sound production, the role of design and the designer within this context as well as the impact of these practices on our everyday lives. (the program is in the attachment). The languages of the symposium will be German and English.
The two-day symposium with international speakers from different disciplines is open to public. The participation costs for the symposium are:
General public - 40 Euro, Students - 20 Euro
If you would like to participate at this symposium please make a money transfer to:
Beneficiary: GREENLAB
Account No. 581515100
BLZ 100 100 10
Purpose: Kap.1200 T GREENLAB 11,122 + your full name
No tickets will be issued, but your name will be put on the guest list.
In the transfer order you need to the mention your full name in the purpose field and please send a short notification e-mail that the money transfer has been completed to: mode@khb-weißensee.de. If the money is transferred in less than 4 working days before the event, please bring with you the proof of your payment to the symposium as an "entrance ticket".
http://kh-berlin.de/index.php5?projectID=757&Action=seeProject

CONFERENCE ::: UPA 2010
Munich, Germany
May 24 - 28, 2010
The Usability Professionals' Association (UPA) is pleased to announce the UPA 2010 International Conference, "Embracing Cultural Diversity - User Experience Design for the World ”. Our key theme will focus on how UX professionals can create great user experiences across different cultures, meeting the challenges of delivering to diverse audiences. One of the great strengths of the UPA conference is that it brings together a network of practitioners from around the world.  This international conference will provide more networking and social interaction than ever before, putting you in touch with inspiring people and new ideas.
https://www.usabilityprofessionals.org/conference/2010/index.new.html


CONFERENCE ::: ADVANCED TEXTILES
Paris, France
June 16 & 17, 2010
Advanced Textiles ’10 gives voice to the new spirit and game-changing technologies in the textile industry. Our mission is to inspire you, and we’re bringing the network and knowledge together for you which showcases future-looking experts in the field of technical textiles. There will be a selection of 25 exciting lectures by some of the most prestigious speakers from Europe and the U.S. They’ll cover a fascinating array of new applications in technical textiles industry, with cross-sectoral thinking that will shape the value chains of tomorrow. Conference sessions will discuss the interdisciplinary and cross-section blending of technical textiles in the following industries:
    • Natural fibers and fiber composites
    • Products and technologies for medical applications
    • Performance textiles in sports, wellness and healthcare
    • Membranes and fabric structures in architecture
    • Safety and protective textiles
    • Technology solutions and material aspects
http://www.ifai.com/AdvancedTextiles10.cfm


EXHIBITION ::: MULTIPLEX TRANSNATURAL
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
(the exhibition is sadly over but the website lists the wonderful projects exhibited)
Technology was the means by which we separated ourselves from nature, and escaped its limitations. In the 21st century we move beyond the animosity between nature and technology. In a lot of areas we see new fruitful collaborations and new kinds of unity: in our dealings with the environment en with energy, but also in arts, architecture, fashion and games.
What will this transnatural world look like? Is this a next evolutionary step, or merely a changed perception of ourselves?
Multiplex Transnatural is the first of two exhibitions with symposia. Transnatural will show to young and old the most interesting attempts from art, design, and science to fuse technology with nature. A glimpse of a new and rich world with transnatural architecture, installations, games and more.
http://www.multiplexart.nl


CONFERECE ::: MOBILE HCI 2010, A MOBILE WORLD FOR ALL
September 7-10, 2010
Lisboa, Portugal
Doctoral Consortium Day, Workshops and Tutorials on September 7th, 2010.
MobileHCI 2010 is organised by the University of Lisboa, with the collaboration of the New University of Lisboa and the research centres LaSIGE and CITI, and in cooperation with ACM SIGCHI and ACM SIGMOBILE. MobileHCI is the leading conference in the field of Human Computer Interaction with Mobile Devices and Services. The MobileHCI series provides a forum for academics and practitioners to discuss the challenges and potential solutions for effective interaction with mobile systems and services. It covers the design, evaluation and application of techniques and approaches for mobile and wearable computing devices and services.
http://www.mobilehci2010.org

Fashionable Technology Report December 2009 & January 2010

EXHIBITION ::: JUMP OFF BY DARIA DAROSH
A.I.R. Gallery, Brooklyn, NY, USA
February 3 - 28th, 2010
opening reception on Thursday, February 4, 6 - 8pm
Jump-off maps a personal geography in textile, text, and wireless technology. The installation features six STORY RUGS, six PARIS BUNDLES, two THEORETICAL CHAIRS and a reading room where you can browse through the thesis in book form or in a LIMITED-EDITION PHD COMIC BOOK.
The story rugs are tagged with QR codes that can be accessed with your cell phone for additional content.
http://www.dariadorosh.com/html/next.pressrelease.html


RESIDENCY ::: ELECTRONIC-TEXT+TEXTILES
Riga, Latvia
Applications for the period from January 2010 to December 2010.
e-t+t is an interdisciplinary platform facilitating artistic investigation and production in the fields of literature, language, textiles, and material culture, promoting expression at the intersections of print, cloth, and electronic technologies.
The Residency offers a great opportunity not only to develop one’s creative ideas and research interests in a very spacious, modern studio/apartment in one of the most beautiful parts of Riga but also to enjoy the emerging Baltic arts and literary scene, the Baltic Sea and healthy local food. The Residency can accommodate up to two related persons at one time. Joint applications are also welcomed.
With the June 2010 meeting of the European Society for Literature, Science, and the Arts in Riga , we expect this to be a banner year for the Residency at e-t+t. For more information on conference please visit: www.e-text-textiles.lv/SLSAeu2010/home.htm.
http://www.e-text-textiles.lv


COMPETITION ::: PRIX ARS ELECTRONICA 2010
Online Submission Deadline: March 5, 2010
The 24th Prix Ars Electronica - International Competition for CyberArts is open for entries.From its very inception in 1987, the Prix Ars Electronica is an open platform for various disciplines at the intersection of art, technology, science and society. Again more than 3,000 submissions in 2009 have further enhanced the Prix Ars Electronica’s reputation as an internationally representative competition honoring outstanding works in the cyberarts. The aim of the competition is to continually keep the Prix Ars Electronica updated in line with leading-edge developments in the dynamic field of cyberarts. In 2010, 6 Golden Nicas, 12 Awards of Distinction and up to 70 Honorary Mentions as well as [the next idea] voestalpine Art and Technology Grant are presented to participants. The winners will receive a total of 117,500 Euros in prize money.
Categories:
Computer Animation/Film/VFX
Digital Musics & Sound Art
Interactive Art
Hybrid Art
Digital Communities
[the next idea] voestalpine Art and Technology Grant
u19 - freestyle computing (only for Austria, see details:www.u19.at )
Contact: [email protected]
http://prixars.aec.at


CONFERENCE ::: MAKER FAIRE
May 22 - 23, 2010
San Mateo County, CA, USA
ENTRY CLOSE DATE: March 31, 2010. Space is limited, please submit your entry by the due date!
Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset. It's for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things. So much to see, you will need 2 days to see it all!
http://makerfaire.com/bayarea/2010/callformakers/


CONFERENCE ::: SMART FABRICS 2010
April 14 - 16, 2010
Miami, FL, USA
Covering topics such as the current status of innovative smart fabric technologies in the marketplace, as well as recent application breakthroughs and adoption. The conference will be of particular interest for people involved in electronics, textiles, medical, sporting equipment, fashion, and wireless communication industries, as well as military/space agencies and the investment community.
http://www.smartfabricsconference.com/


EXHIBITION ::: VISUAL VOLTAGE
April 8, 2010 - May 20, 2010
Bejing, China
This exhibit enables visitors to explore various forms of electricity, and to experience and reflect on energy consumption. Some of Sweden’s best known artists and designers have been brought together with engineers, technical know-how and environmental consideration in this ground breaking exhibition. You will see electricity as never seen before. By the Swedish Institute and the Interactive Institute.
http://www.visualvoltage.se/


WORKSHOPS ::: MOBILEHCI2010
12th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction with Mobile Devices and Services (MobileHCI 2010),
A Mobile World for All
September 7-10, 2010,
Lisboa, Portugal
WORKSHOP PAPER SUBMISSIONS: April 23, 2010
Workshops and Tutorials will be held on September 7th, 2010.
MobileHCI 2010 is organised by the University of Lisboa, with the collaboration of the New University of Lisboa and the research centres LaSIGE and CITI, and in cooperation with ACM SIGCHI and ACM SIGMOBILE.
Workshops at MobileHCI 2010 offer a chance for members of a community with common interests to meet in the context of a focused and interactive discussion. If you are working in an emerging area in MobileHCI, consider organizing a workshop. They are an opportunity to move the field forward and build community. MobileHCI workshops might address (for example) basic research, applied research, HCI practice, new methodologies, emerging application areas, design innovations, management and organizational issues, or HCI education. Each workshop should generate ideas that give the MobileHCI community a new, organized way of thinking about the topic, or ideas that suggest promising directions for future research. Some workshops result in edited books or special issues of journals; you may consider including this goal in the design of your workshop. Additionally, this year, the best paper of each workshop will appear in a special issue of the International Journal of Mobile Human Computer Interaction (IJMHCI).
http://www.mobilehci2010.org


SYMPOSIUM ::: 3RD INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM FOR FLEXIBLE ORGANIC ELECTRONICS
July 7 - 9, 2010
Eagles Palace Hotel, Halkidiki, Greece
The IS-FOE is the premier scientific & research event in the areas of flexible organic electronics and showcases the latest developments in the fields of:
    • Organic electronic materials (small molecule & polymers)
    • Organic Multifunctional Materials
    • Organic/inorganic and hybrid materials and systems
    • Flexible substrates & encapsulation methods & materials
    • Molecular electronics & Photonics
    • Self-organized molecules and systems
    • Theory & Modelling (materials, components and devices)
    • Manufacturing processes (printing, vacuum, chemical) & quality control processes
    • Flexible Displays & Lighting
    • Flexible Solar Cells & Batteries
    • Flexible Circuits & Sensors
    • Flexible RFIDs & Smart Textiles
    • Integrated Smart Systems
http://isfoe.physics.auth.gr


CONFERENCE ::: International Conference on Wireless Information Networks and Systems - WINSYS 2010
July 26 - 28, 2010
Athens, Greece
Information systems and information technology are pervasive in the whole communications field, which is quite vast, encompassing a large number of research topics and applications: from practical issues to the more abstract theoretical aspects of communication; from low level protocols to high-level networking and applications; from wireless networking technologies to mobile information systems; many other topics are included in the scope of WINSYS.
Ideas on how to analyze and approach problems by combining information systems and communication technologies, either in the scope of R&D projects, engineering or business applications, are welcome. Papers describing new methods or technologies, advanced prototypes, systems, tools and techniques and general survey papers indicating future directions are also encouraged.
http://www.winsys.icete.org


CONFERENCE ::: FUN AND GAMES 2010
September, 15-17, 2010
University of Leuven, Belgium
IMPORTANT SUBMISSION DATES:
•   Tutorials (for organizers): January 29th, 2010
•   Workshop proposals (for organizers, 4 pages): January 29th, 2010
•   Full papers (8 pages), short papers (4 pages): March 19, 2010
Fun and Games 2010 is a single-track, 2-day conference where academics and practitioners can interact together in a playful event that marries the best of academic writing with the most innovative user experiences.
The conference invites original contributions from designers, developers and researchers in computer games, experience design and ‘fun’. Of particular interest are contributions that cross the traditional disciplines of human-computer interaction, games design, and game development. It will provide a venue for presenting and discussing peer reviewed academic and practitioner papers, posters and live demos.
Topics:
Papers are solicited from, but not limited to the following topics:
•   Game theories, constructs, concepts and frameworks
•    Game design methods, principles and processes
•   Evaluating games & measuring player experiences
•   Serious games such as: games for special target groups: children, elderly, people with
special needs, etc.,  Social Games (& aspects), Games for Health
•   Persuasive Aspects of Games
•   Affective Computing
•   Game interaction:  Mobile Entertainment, Pervasive games, Tangibles, Multimodality games, Whole body interfaces
•   Innovation & technology:  Robots, Smart Toys, Frameworks & engines, Sensors & signal processing for games
http://FNG2010.org/

Fashionable Technology Report October & November 2009

CONFERENCE ::: CODED CULTURES JAPAN
Yokohama, Japan
October 14 - 18, 2009
Sabine Seymour was invited to speak about Functional Aesthetics in Fashionable Technology. The symposium of “CODED CULTURES – Exploring Creative Emergences” was hosted by the Tokyo National University of the Arts. It combined theoretical lectures and presentations structured through the four sub-topics of the festival: Designing Complexity, Assembling Things, Expanding Locality and Creating Proto-Culture. The selected positions raised questions about the transformation of cultural codes in different areas of creative selforganization and give an opportunity to discuss these on an international and trans-disciplinary level.
http://codedcultures.com/jp/about/


SYMPOSIUM ::: BIG DESIGN WEEK
Ljubjana, Slowenia
November 5 - 6, 2009
Sabine Seymour was invited to speak at the conference ‘Sustaining Design Excellence’. As part of the Month of Design 09, Zavod Big hosted its annual design conference, this year entitled ‘Sustaining Design Excellence’. The conference addressed questions and issues that explore the relationship between quality design, creativity, innovation, technology, strategy, responsibility and sustainability. Eight internationally active and engaged practitioners – from designers and architects to managers, consultants, planners and strategists – were invited to present their work and their vision within the framework of ‘Sustaining Design Excellence’.
http://www.zavodbig.com/category/mod-conference-09/
http://www.zavodbig.com/2009/04/07/sabine-seymour-chief-creative-officer-moondial-new-york-usa-vienna-aut/


PRESENTATION ::: KEPLER SALON
Linz, Austria
November 7, 2009
Sabine Seymour was invited to speak about her work in Fashionable Technology. The astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler lived in Linz between 1612 and 1627. With Galilei and Newton he belongs to a select band of pivotal figures in the development of astronomy; he is the eponymous patron of the Kepler Salon. What does the term “mechatronic” actually mean? Do we have free will? How does a heart valve work? The Kepler Salon will be the venue for meetings and an ongoing exchange of information. Universities, institutions of higher learning and hospitals will be engaging in the presentation of knowledge and in making research results accessible and intelligible to the general public in a series of dialogues with the researchers themselves. The Kepler Salon will serve as a showcase for the sciences and as an interface between research and workaday life.
http://www.kepler-salon.at/en/Kepler-Salon
http://www.kepler-salon.at/en/content/view/full/960


CONFERENCE ::: 3rd EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON AMBIENT INTELLIGENCE
Salzburg, Austria
November 18 - 21, 2009
Ambient Intelligence represents a vision of the future where we shall be surrounded by technological means, sensitive and responsive to people and their behaviors, deliver advanced functions, services and experiences. Ambient intelligence is expected to combine concepts of ubiquitous technology, intelligent systems and advanced user interfaces putting the humans in the centre of technological developments. Future contextual solutions are envisaged exploiting the power of Ambient Intelligence. The conference aims to bring together researchers from academia and industry from various disciplines that constitute the field of Ambient Intelligence to present the latest results, discuss the state of art and think about the future.
http://www.ami-09.org


EXHIBITION ::: SK-INTERFACES
Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain
41, rue Notre Dame
Luxemburg
September 26 - January 10, 2010
Skin is our natural interface to the world – but it is progressively being replaced by technological extensions, some of which can have liberating, other rather new restrictive, effects. The trans-disciplinary exhibition sk-interfaces presents about 20 international artists who question the ways in which today’s techno-sciences alter our relation to the world: digital technologies, architecture, tissue cultures, transgenesis, self-experiments or telepresence – the artists appropriate these methods and explore the permeability between disciplines and between art and science. Their interfaces connect us with different species, destabilise our definition of being human today and reflect on the question of satellite bodies.
The exhibition sk-interfaces at Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain, curated by Jens Hauser, is the extended continuation of a project organised for Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008 at FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) in Liverpool. Artists: Art Orienté objet, Maurice Benayoun, Zane Berzina, Critical Art Ensemble, Wim Delvoye, Olivier Goulet, Eduardo Kac, Antal Lakner, Yann Marussich, Kira O’Reilly, Zbigniew Oksiuta, ORLAN, Philippe Rahm, Julia Reodica, Stelarc, Jun Takita, The Office of Experiments, The Tissue Culture and Art Project, Sissel Tolaas, Paul Vanouse
http://www.casino-luxembourg.lu/


SYMPOSIUM ::: SUPER HUMAN: REVOLUTION OF THE SPECIES
Melbourne, Australia
November 23 - 24, 2009
Taking place over two days, the Super Human symposium will present an invigorating and inspiring mix of keynote speakers and collaborative research projects engaging with one or more of the symposium themes: Augmentation, Cognition and Nanoscale Interventions. Questions that the symposium will address include, but are not limited to: How do scientific and artistic bodies of knowledge intersect with human, social bodies? Does art serve simply as a representational tool for the sciences or is there more to the picture than that? Does research into bodies and their systems offer an insight into aesthetics, or is it confined to the purely functional?
http://www.superhuman.org.au/


CONFERENCE ::: DESIGN FOR CONVERSION, THE MOBILE EDITION
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
December 11, 2009
Design for Conversion is a highly interactive conference aiming to collectively (as one big family) deepen our knowledge of Persuasive Technology, Experience Design and Evidence Based Marketing, and how these disciplines can learn from each other. With heavy doses of design thinking, cognitive psychology and statistical knowledge we are very serious in taking up a worldwide conversion challenge
http://designforconversion.nl


CONFERENCE ::: ACM Augmented Human International Conference
Megève, France
April 2 - 4, 2010
DRAFT ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINES: December 20, 2009
The AH international conference focuses on scientific contributions towards augmenting humans capabilities through technology for increased well-being and enjoyable human experience.
The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
Augmented and Mixed Reality
Internet of Things
Augmented Sport
Sensors and Hardware
Wearable Computing
Augmented Health
Augmented Well-being
Smart artifacts & Smart Textiles
Augmented Tourism and Games
Ubiquitous Computing
Bionics and Biomechanics
Training/Rehabilitation Technology
Exoskeletons
Brain Computer Interface
Augmented Context-Awareness
Augmented Fashion
Safety, Ethics and Legal Aspects
Security and Privacy Aspects
http://www.augmented-human.com

FASHIONABLE TECHNOLOGY REPORT March 2009

BOOK PRESENTATION & SYMPOSIA ::: FASHION IN CONTEXT (in German)
March 26 - 27, 2009
Schloss Hetzendorf
Vienna, Austria
In den Medien unbetextete Mode wird nicht gekauft, Mode ohne Label nicht wahrgenommen, Mode, die nichts aussagt ist fad, ebenso wie eine Kollektion, die keine Geschichte erzählen kann. Der Begriff fashionized bezeichnet die Visualisierung einer neuen Mode – ist quasi grafische Geburtshilfe und Transformation. Im Keynote von Gerda Buxbaum geht es um Begrifflichkeiten und darum, wie Kleidungsstücke zu einer Botschaft werden. Sabine Seymour's Vortrag behandelt: Der Einsatz von Bekleidung als interaktive Fläche eröffnet eine Reihe neuer Anwendungen. Neue Entwicklungen im Bereich interaktiver und tragbarer Bekleidungsöberflächen (Text und Bilder) verwenden Datenquellen wie beispielsweise Sensoren und Mobiltelefone. Sabine Seymour gibt einen Einblick in Projekte, Materialien und Inspirationen zu Fashionable Technology, deren Fokus die Oberfläche der Kleidung darstellt.
http://www.modeschulewien.at/web/archiv/10-hetzendorf-gespr.html

CALL FOR PAPERS ::: ISWC'09
September 4-7, 2009
Linz, Austria
SUBMISSION DEADLINES: Papers & Posters (March 30, 2009), Late Breaking (May 18, 2009), Design Contest (May 18, 2009)
ISWC'09, the thirteenth annual IEEE International Symposium on Wearable Computers, is the premier forum for wearable computing and issues related to on-body and worn mobile technologies. ISWC'09 will bring together researchers, product vendors, fashion designers, textile manufacturers, users, and related professionals to share information and advances in wearable computing. ISWC'09 explicitly aims to broaden its scope to include cell phones and cell phone applications as they have become the most successful wearable computer to date.
http://www.iswc.net

CONFERENCE ::: SCIENCE BEYOND FICTION: THE EUROPEAN FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES CONFERENCE
April 21 - 23, 2009
Prague, The Czech Republic
CIANT will run a conference session at SCIENCE BEYOND FICTION: THE EUROPEAN FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES CONFERENCE on Wednesday, April 22, 2-3.30 PM with accepted title "Bridging the Gap between Brain and Machine: New Challenge for Art and Science”. We will discuss state-of-the-art and future of BMI (brain-machine interface) technology.
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/events/fet/2009

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS ::: SUPER HUMAN: REVOLUTION OF SPECIES SYMPOSIUM
November 23 - 14, 2009
Melbourne, Australia
DEADLINE: March 30, 2009
Inspired by the 150th publication anniversary of Darwin's evolutionary treatise, 'On the Origin of the Species', ANAT presents the Super Human: Revolution of the Species Symposium. A single-stream high calibre event, the Symposium turns the spotlight on contemporary art and science collaborative research and practice and its interpretations of - and impacts upon - the human body now and into the future. The Symposium is open to any format or style of presentation so long as it directly engages with one or more of the Symposium themes: Augmentation, Cognition, Nanoscale Interventions.
http://www.superhuman.org.au

CALL FOR COLLABORATORS ::: INTERACTIVOS?' LIMA'09: MAGIC AND TECHNOLOGY
April 13 - 28, 2009
Escuelab
Lima, Peru
DEADLINE FOR COLLABORATORS: April 7, 2009
Open call for collaborators for the INTERACTIVOS? LIMA'09: Magic and technology advanced project development workshop (Lima, April 13 - 28, 2009). The aim is to build software pieces and interactive installations which propose a rethinking of the usual scenario in magic tricks. Collaborators can join any of the developing teams that will carry out the selected proposals, depending on their particular interests and skills, thus contributing with their knowledge and skills and at the same time learning from the other group members and from the leading tutors (Julian Oliver, Clara Boj, Diego Díaz, and Kiko Mayorga). Collaborators' profile: artists, magicians, engineers, musicians, programmers, designers, architects, hackers, psychologists, or any other person interested in presenting a project on this topic.
http://www.medialab-prado.es
http://www.ccelima.org

EXHIBITION ::: CORPUS EXTREMUS (LIFE+)
February 28 – April 18, 2009
EXIT ART 475 10th Ave @ 36th Street NYC ph: 212-966-7745
Prior to the eighteenth century, art and science were not separated as distinct disciplines, and were often joined. Thus a hybrid bio-art discipline is nothing radically new. Yet, the work in Corpus Extremus (LIFE+) represents a revolution in interdisciplinary research and practices and offers a critical evaluation of science and technology through art. This direct involvement of artists in scientific research and lab practices aims to demystify science through a cross-disciplinary approach; to provoke discussion about art and science as creative stimuli to each other; and to pose ethical questions to society.
The artworks in this exhibition deal with the transformation of our notions of life and death due to the implementation of biotechnological advances in everyday life. Recent innovations in science and technology are causing us to confront and challenge our conventional understanding of the body. Trying to reveal “the secret of life,” and to retain health, we are finding new ways to create living transplants and sustain life outside of the body. This possibility gives ground for the design of new organisms – hybrids, cyborgs and extended human bodies – that might be a new stage in an evolution with a questionable future.
http://www.exitart.org/site/pub/exhibition_programs/corpus_extremus/index.html

CALL FOR PAPERS ::: 3rd INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON MIUX'09
Internet access on mobile devices changes the way the Internet is used. In addition to accessing ordinary Internet content with mobile devices, mobilizing the Internet enables totally new kinds of Internet content and services. This workshop will discuss the latest user study results and developments of mobile Internet from the end user perspective, identifying solutions that make Internet usage on a mobile device an enjoyable experience. Mobile Internet solutions cover Internet services specifically designed for mobile use, mobile access to full Web sites, full Web sites and mobile services complementing each other, Web feeds, Web widgets, and Internet based communication systems (e.g. email, instant messaging, VoIP).
http://wiki.research.nokia.com/index.php/MIUX09

FASHIONABLE TECHNOLOGY REPORT November 2008

MOONDIAL FASHIONABLE TECHNOLOGY REPORT
Visionary Insights on Epidermis & Technology
by Sabine Seymour
November 2008

MOONDIAL FASHIONABLE TECHNOLOGY NEWS ::: LECTURE AT DESIGNFORUM VORARLBERG
Sabine Seymour's lecture "Fashionable Technology, Ein Chip zum Anziehen" highlighted the opening of the Designforum Vorarlberg in Dornbirn, Austria on October 23, 2008.
http://www.prisma-zentrum.com/start.php4?m1id=3&m2id=87&m3id=0&m4id=0
http://www.designforum.at

LECTURE ::: LUCY ORTA, BODY ARCHITECTURE
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 @ 6pm
School of Constructed Environments
Glass Corner, 2nd Floor
25 East 14th Street, New York, USA
Trained as a fashion designer but working as an artist since the beginning of the 90’s, Ms. Orta has realized what she called “architectures with soul.” They are objects that respond to a critical and constructive gaze on the most sensitive areas of society, evoking the need for change, poetically prefiguring reality and suggesting alternative life styles. She has produced numerous interventions and actions, putting on stage crucial themes of the contemporary world: community, social exclusion, dwelling, mobility, sustainable development and recycling.
http://www.studio-orta.com/

CALL FOR SPEAKERS ::: AVANTEX SYMPOSIUM: FASHION
Applications are open for Fashion curated by Sharon Baurley. Please refer to the Fashionable Technology Report when applying.
June 16 - 17, 2008
Frankfurt, Germany
The latest developments and trends in new and innovative apparel textiles not only enhance their properties and, in turn, the application areas for the apparel but also facilitate new kinds of apparel. This is associated with an increased demand for information and communication. The Avantex Symposium is not only an opportunity for this but also a chance to engage in cross-sector discussions.
This year, four main themes are planned:
1. Fashion: modern materials and technologies in fashion
2. Material + Technology in apparel: advances in the areas of fibres, textiles, technology and processing
3. Sports + Outdoor: performance and lifestyle
4. Portable technologies / E-textiles: textile-based, portable electronic systems, sensors and controllers
The lectures will be taking place on 16 - 17 June 2009 (afternoons only) at the Messe Frankfurt Congress Center.
Anyone wishing to take part as a symposium speaker, is now cordially invited to apply.
http://techtextil.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/symposium_coc_symposien.html

EXHIBITION ::: SPECIMEN: RESPRESENTING THE NATURAL WORLD
November 6, 2008 - January 29, 2009
Paul Robeson Galleries, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
350 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, Newark, New Jersey, USA
In the 19th century a thirst for information about the natural world was rampant among the general populace, from dedicated scientists to avid amateurs. This exhibition addresses the pervasive influence of ‘natural history’ inspired aesthetics and methodologies on contemporary artists. In this exhibition, contemporary artworks will be displayed alongside historic works, on loan from the Newark Public Library and private collections.
Artists: Catherine Chalmers, Keith Cottingham, Dorothy Cross, Julie Dermansky, Jordan Eagles, Seth Goodwin, Damien Hirst, Mike Libby, Laura McClanahan, Julia Randall, Christopher Russell, Laura Splan, Kimberly Witham, Dustin Yellin
http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/artgallery/current/index.html

CALL FOR ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCY PROPOSALS ::: V2_LAB SOFT TECHNOLOGY
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: December 7, 2008
V2_Lab, the artistic Research & Development (aRt&D) department of V2_ Institute for Unstable Media in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, has a vacancy for a three-month artist’s residency from January 15 to April 15, 2009.
V2_Lab has an extensive history in the field of wearable technology. In recent years, we have carried out various aRt&D projects in collaboration with various artists and universities. For example, we developed soft, wearable interactive objects with Thecla Schiphorst during Soft(n). We recently took these developments further in the direction of fashion and wearable technology with Di Mainstone’s Sharewear. In these projects, we combine knowledge from various domains to produce surprising or critical artistic statements. V2_ is seeking to further investigate the combination of fashion and technology by means of an experimental residency. The goal of the residency is the research and development part of the residency will focus on the development of flexible, textile-integrated circuit boards and electronic components, manufactured from easily accessible materials. We wish to involve the artist in this research at the earliest possible stage, so that the accumulated knowledge will remain easily transferable. This residency is also geared toward achieving a satisfying end result in the form of a visually attractive working prototype.
To download your application form please follow this link: http://files.v2.nl/portal/Applicationform_AIR.rtf
http://www.v2.nl

WORKSHOP ::: WIRELESS WEARABLES
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 2 - 6pm
Location: NYCResistor (www.nycresistor.com), Brooklyn, NY, USA
Instructors: Kate Hartman and Rob Faludi
Cost: $150
Get ready to explore the delights of mutual connectivity with the soon-to-be released XBee LilyPad! This class will introduce the communication and construction techniques necessary to create wireless wearables. We'll start by learning how to communicate using XBee radios, including digital, analog, input and output modes along with an overview of other useful features. Once we've made contact, we'll translate our circuits onto fabric, learning how to make flexible, durable, and attractive connections between components using conductive textiles and threads. By the end of the class, we'll have our soft circuits conversing wirelessly and you'll be ready to create your own clothing, toy or tapestry that talks!The price of this class includes a $50 materials fee, which covers a LilyPad XBee board, XBee radio, battery pack, conductive fabric & thread, and various sewing supplies. When the class is over, the circuit you've created will be yours to keep!
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/202648126

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION: CHI 2009 WORKSHOPS ::: PROGRAMMING REALITY: From Transitive Materials to Organic User Interfaces
Submission is still open. Please refer to the Fashionable Technology Report when applying.
Workshop date: April 4 - 5, 2009
Boston, MA, USA
Over the past few years, a quiet revolution has been redefining our fundamental computing technologies. Flexible E-Ink and OLEDs displays, shape-changing and light-emitting materials, parametric design, e- textiles, sensor networks, and intelligent interfaces promise to spawn entirely new user experiences that will redefine our relation with technology. In one example, future flexible displays will allow us to design devices that are completely flexible, and that can curve around everyday objects or our bodies. These and other developments are opening up unprecedented opportunities for innovation and require us to re-examine and re- evaluate some of the most basic user interface design principles. This workshop invites researchers and practitioners to imagine and debate this future, as well as prototype next-generation interfaces. We will explore two converging themes. Transitive Materials will focus on how emerging materials and computationally-driven behaviors can operate in unison blurring the boundaries between form and function, human body  andenvironment, structures and membranes, while supporting the design of computational systems that are intrinsically capable of  interactivity and personalization. Organic User Interfaces (OUI) will explore future interactive designs and applications as these materials become   commonplace. The OUI vision is based on an understanding that in the future the  physical shape of display devices will become non-flat, potentially arbitrary and even fluid or computationally controlled. This allows display devices and entire environments to take on shapes that are 3D, flexible, dynamic, modifiable by users or self-actuated.
Submissions and enquiries: [email protected]
http://www.chi2009.org/Authors/CallForPapers/Workshops/cfp121.pdf

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS ::: CODED CULTURES - Exploring Creative Emergences
Binational Festival / Austria - Japan 2009
Festival Austria (Vienna): May 27 - 31, 2009
Festival Japan (Yokohama): October 14 - 18, 2009
The team of 5uper.net (www.5uper.net) is happy to announce the CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for the binational festival »CODED CULTURES - Exploring Creative Emergences«, which is taking place in Austria and Japan in the year 2009 (Austria - Japan Year 2009). The second edition of CODED CULTURES (first edition online at: http://codedcultures.5uper.net) is exploring new artistic practices and creative ability profiles within media integrated project-cultures and digital media related art, focusing on Japan and Europe. The festival »CODED CULTURES – Exploring Creative Emergences« addresses questions regarding the codes of creative cultures and artistic practices, which are based on new transdisciplinary and hybrid developments of culture and art under the conditions of a post-contemporary digital media-age and transformations of related artistic developments. Therefore, the festival creates a surrounding in which new ways of emerging arts, creativity, theories, projects and ideas can be explored in the field of digital media related forms of creative delineation and arts. The particular aim is to present, discuss and criticize topics, which are situated on the intersection of disciplines and activities in order to enforce new potentials of artistic practices and positions. By these means, persons from the field of digital media related art and culture, who derive joy from discovering ways to circumvent limitations are welcome to submit their works, projects, theories and ideas. Regarding this, CODED CULTURES is mainly searching for projects, which shape new vectors of creation and art, situated between: e.g. Science & Art, Technology & Art, Design & Art, Fashion & Art, Economy & Art, a.s.o.
http://www.codedcultures.net

NEWSLETTER ::: LUMINAPOLIS
Luminapolis is the portal of Light for all working with lighting: architects, designers, artists. We publish your lighting-news. Luminapolis prepares the Luminale 2010 - Lighting Culture Biennale.
http://www.luminapolis.com/?langswitch_lang=en

DISCUSSION ::: NANOART: MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE
The Australian Network for Art & Technology (ANAT) is pleased to announce the  November discussion on the Synapse elist which, throughout 2008, is investigating the  leading-edge of art and science research collaboration. This month's discussion explores artists' engagement with nanotechnologies. As well as an exploration of artistic projects, the list will investigate some of the pressing issues arising from the proliferation of nanoscale technologies - for example, implications of the inability to control affect at the nano level and the peculiar challenges facing artists working with these technologies, not least the 'invisibility' of their practice both literally and figuratively.
To join the discussion visit:
http://www.synapse.net.au select 'Discuss' and follow the prompts.

CONFERENCE ::: IFAI ADVANCED TEXTILES '09
A European-US Entrepreneur Networking Conference
Brussel, Belgium
April 2 - 3, 2009
Attend the second IFAI Advanced Textiles Conference 2009, where market-ready innovations and new technologies in the technical textiles field with be unveiled. This high-level gathering of industry experts and government officials is designed to provide a valuable educational and networking opportunity for participants, creating new business opportunities between U.S. and European companies.
Conference sessions and discussions will focus on key advanced textile application areas such as:
Architecture, Sports apparel, Protective fabrics, Medical textiles
http://www.ifai.com

CALL FOR PROPOSALS ::: O'REILLY EMERGING TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE
March 9 - 12, 2009
The Fairmont San Jose
San Jose, CA, USA
The spirit of ETech is fueled by honing in on the ideas, projects, and technologies that the alpha geeks are thinking about, hacking on, and inventing right now, creating a space for all participants to connect and be inspired. ETech 2009 promises to be another rich and cutting edge event, looking this time at technology is reinventing the way we live. The constrained world has to make do with what's available. Why scrimp and sacrifice for a computer when most people have mobile phones with an SMS server that can do the job just fine? With limited food, water, fuel, medicine, it's the people and their ideas that are often the cheapest part of the equation. Their technology looks to collaboration and connection with fewer resources—almost the opposite of the industrialized world which seeks to make each individual as effective as possible.What technologies cross the divide? How do the two interact and cross-pollinate? On the surface, they wouldn't seem to overlap, but on deeper examination, inhabitants of both worlds learn from each other constantly. Here are some areas at the intersection of abundance and constraint we'll be exploring at the 2009 edition of ETech, the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference:
City Tech
Materials & Mechanics
Personalized Healthcare
Mobile & The Web
Geek Family
Synthetic Biology
Nomadism & Shedworking
Sustainable Life
Life Hacking & Information Overload
http://conferences.oreilly.com/etech

Helmut Lang, Alles Gleich Schwer

Helmut Lang, Installation detail, 2008

HELMUT LANG
Alles Gleich Schwer
August 31 through November 2, 2008
kestnergesellschaft, Goseriede 11, 30159 Hanover, Germany

The kestnergesellschaft presents helmut lang – alles gleich schwer, the first institutional solo exhibition of artistic work by Helmut Lang, one of the most prominent and influential cultural figures of our time. Lang’s most recent body of work marks the logical conclusion to a constantly rearranging equation. Turning away from the physical body and its social articulation through clothes, Lang has created a series of objects that address the intersection of public and private experience as it is recorded through mythologies both personal and shared.

“The continuity is that I’m expressing what’s important to me with the appropriate form, content and context through different mediums and other dimensions.” HL

A catalogue will accompany the exhibition with texts by Veit Gorner, Jenny Holzer, Frank-Thorsten Moll, Ulf Poschardt, Alice Rawsthorn, Gisela Vetter-Liebenow, Neville Wakefield and Christian Wulff.

Curated by Frank Thorsten Moll and Neville Wakefield

http://www.absolut.com/helmutlang
September 30 through December 31, 2008

via e-flux

The Cloud

I hope to see this in person soon and congratulations to those folks at MIT who never told me they are involved ;-) From the description of the project:

The Cloud is an organic sculptural landmark that responds to human interaction and expresses context awareness using hundreds of sensors and over 15,000 individually addressable optical fibers. Constructed of carbon glass, spanning over four meters, and containing more than 65 kilometers of fiber optics, the Cloud encourages visitors to touch and interact with information in new ways, manifesting emotions and behavior through sound and a dichotomy of luminescence and darkness.

Located in downtown Florence outside the Fortezza da Basso. The Cloud is part of the “Redesigning Fashion Trade Shows” project that Pitti Immagine launched with MIT Mobile Experience Lab in January 2007. It is a long-term project that will creatively rethink the trade show concept and will propose innovative technologies, perspectives and sensory experiences for fashion trade shows.

Thanks to Hector Ouilhet!

Video by Cool Hunting

Cool Hunting created an inspiring video documentary of the projects that were exhibited during the launch of my book Fashionable Technology at Eyebeam Art + Technology Center in New York on May 22, 2008.

The video made it to most viewed on YouTube Science & Technology!

Thanks to Josh, Ami, Seth, Tim!

The House of Viktor & Rolf @ Barbican

The House of Viktor & Rolf
Dutch fashion design arrives at the Barbican
June 18, 2008 - September 21, 2008
Barbican Art Gallery
London, UK

The Barbican is one of my London fixtures.

The House of Viktor & Rolf presents each of the designer’s signature pieces from 1992 to now, shown in a specially commissioned and characteristically theatrical installation that dominates the entire Gallery. Highlights include pieces from Atomic Bomb, 1998–99, featuring dramatic mushroom cloud-like cushioned necklines and Russian Doll, 1999–2000, in which a single model was painstakingly dressed by Viktor & Rolf until she was gasping under 70 kilogrammes of exquisite haute couture. For the collection Bells, 2000-2001, models emerged from a smoke-filled space in clothes embroidered with hundreds of brass bells, so they were heard before they could be seen. Drawing on the Dutch tradition of silver plating a baby’s first shoe as a keepsake, the climax of Viktor & Rolf’s Autumn/Winter collection of 2006–07, was a strapless wedding dress with a wide petticoated knee length skirt, silver plated, including even the bride’s bouquet.

Buy the book The House of Viktor and Rolf by Caroline Evans and Susannha Frankel

Via Flavorpill London

Superheros: Fashion and Fantasy @ MET Museum

Superheros: Fashion and Fantasy
MET Museum, New York
May 7, 2008 – September 1, 2008
Special Exhibition Galleries, 1st floor

Find the time to see this inspiring exhibition at the fabulous MET. I overheard a conversation by a young man who would love to own the Catwoman outfit worn by Michelle Pfeiffer . And there are many other outrageous creations by the likes of Beirendonck, Mugler, Willhelm, and Chalayan.

Since the first appearance of Superman in 1938, the superhero has exercised a powerful influence over our collective imagination, serving as avatars or conduits for our hopes, dreams, and desires. Until relatively recently, when they were co-opted by high art, superheroes have often been dismissed as frivolous and superficial, but their apparent triviality is the very thing that gives them the ability to address serious issues. Like Clark Kent’s nerdiness or Bruce Wayne’s playboy disaffection, the subterfuge frees superheroes to respond to and comment upon shifting attitudes toward self and society, toward identity and ideology.

Through the years, the superhero has been used to embody—through metaphor—our social and political realities. At the same time, it has been used to represent concepts reflective of sexuality and corporeality through idealized, objectified, and hyperbolic visualizations of the human body. Constantly redefined and reworked according to popular canons of beauty, superheroes embody the superlative.

Fashion not only shares the superhero’s metaphoric malleability, but actually embraces and responds to the particular metaphors that the superhero represents, notably that of the power of transformation. Fashion celebrates metamorphosis, providing unlimited opportunities to remake and reshape the flesh and the self. Through fashion and the superhero, we gain the freedom to fantasize, to escape the banal, the ordinary, and the quotidian. The fashionable body and the superhero body are sites upon which we can project our fantasies, offering a virtuosic transcendence beyond the moribund and utilitarian.