VIRTUALSCULPTURE

DATA SCULPTURE a definition

Datasculpture are computational works that deal with the commodification of information and dynamics of data itself, in this instance they are real time samples of Data streams harvested and mined from the Dow Jones index; these discrete "grains" of data aggregate and self organise, eventually developing into vectoral forms that can have concrete sculptural outcomes thereby showing the flux and dynamics of data and societal transformations in real time

materials are often listed as “code/cpu/” referencing the computation that parses the symbols into forms

The works are output in multiple formats as cnc or rapid prototype or purely in virtual flux the dimensions are often “variable”

Or cast in metals such as iron or bronze from a “wax thermajet” prototype machine and are then cast from the wax in ceramic shell

The sizes vary from a 4inch sq. to approx. 10 ft

Central to my practice is engagement with the consequences of Autopoiesis; I build generative coding systems or sample grains of data from real world sources that can evolve in real-time as tangible sculptural form or remain in their virtual “flux” state:

SPACESAMPLING :Real world sampling evidences Real time computational Sculptural outcomes:

dimensional and discrete sampling using time of flight 3d scans that I synthesize with Noise and DSP / Mined data or structural sources

AUTOTECTURE : Self Organising systems

here I am concerned with forms and systems that “self-generate, evidence and evolve under their own complexity” using a process I call Autotecture. Preferring to generate work from coding data mining and algorithm my work makes a departure from the traditional retinal/hand / 3d modelling.conjunction. I am therefore working with the Consequences of direct engagement with complexity in a generative system that affords the emergence in real time of “Vectoral Automata” as sculptural form

At any stage of their divergent development one may propagate or cull works as “Emergent Proofs” of autonomy, .

On a smaller scale woven into this process are the underlying protocols of data transfiguration in discrete abstraction.{Chrono-abstraction} Therefore, conceptually I posit that a work of art can be truly autonomous ,being machine agency constructed and continuously self organizing, whilst retaining the iconic presence of the plastic sculptural form.

"NOISY & UNFILTERED SERIES U N M O D E L L E D

* REAL TIME COMPUTATIONAL GENERATION *

" DOW DESCENDING $iNDU "

▲ Autotecture SERIES

▼ Datasculpture Sonification©

gallery screenshot of ▼ real time flux ▼ Stereohedral PLOT / SYNTHESIS of ANGOLA OIL FIELD + MRI of BEATING DOGS HEART

LSU Foster Gallery Solo show 2004

3D stereohedral Oil + Gas Futures Domain BETA ANGOLA DELTA / stl ht:4.6ft width:2 ft brdth:2ft ▲

TIMe SAMPLE plot / DELTA SERIES /

▲

Born in the UK and now living in America, Paul Higham has used digital technology in his art for over 25 years. Since the early 70s whilst studying at Goldsmiths College of Art London University, his endeavour has remained consistent to propogate a new form of sculpture based on self organizing theories of artificial life,and in the mid 90s developing Datasculpture ; using information theory, heuristics and real time data mining,he coined the term Virtual Sculpture

he remains a pioneer of computers in sculpture and Rapid Prototyping working with mainframe computers at the Middlesex polytechnic in 1986 using mainframe computers and cnc processes to make large works,

In 1995 he independently initiated a collaboration with Stratasys Rapid prototype Corp. USA, and joined the Advanced Visualization /Human machine design lab team at the University of Minnesota working with Rapid Prototyping, haptics,mo-cap,3d scanning and holography. and in 1996 was awarded an "Artist of Extraordinary Ability" GreenCard

Higham continues to exhibit Internationally including the New York Digital Salon in 96, Circulo de Bellas Artes,Madrid, Intersculpt 99 French Senate, Paris,Manchester City Art Gallery UK ,and has sited work at the Wedgewood Memorial sculpture Park, UK. New York Mills Sculpture Park , Franconia Sculpture Park,USA, Pirkkala Sculpture Park, Finland and the Contemporary Art Center in New Orleans he is currently visiting artist at NYIT, and a judge for Ars Mathematica / Intersculpt 01-06, notable wards/ Commissions include a Jerome Mcknight 96 & 97 New Media Initiative,,Walker Art Center USA. residencies include visting artist at the School of the Art Institute Chicago and Cranbrook Academy of Art and Founded the New Orleans international sculpture works sponsored by Hewlett Packard,SGI,Sensable technologies,Geek Squad

Thanks To : Hewlett Packard, USA/Europe, Honeywell, AT&T, MathEngine ,Sensable , Stratasys , Delcam, World Tool Kit, Ascension Corp, Vpl, British Arts Council.

Selected Press with photo reproductions: Leonardo magazine, Sculpture magazine, New York Arts magazine, The Boston Globe, Arts Review, Contemporary Art & the Mathematical Instinct ,Research Review ,Independent ,Leoanardo Electronic Almanac

article on spacesampling http://citypages.com/databank/21/1032/article8967.asp

Recent SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2003-2006
International Rapid Prototyping Sculpture Exhibition
Southwestern University, Austin, TX, traveling to New York Institute of
Technology, New York, NY, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey,
Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, England, University of
Houston at Clear Lake, Clear Lake, TX, Kemper Room Gallery, Illinois
Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, Zoller Gallery, Pennsylvania State
University, University Park, PA, DAPP Gallery, College of Design,
Architecture, Art and Planning, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH,
Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum, California State University, San
Bernardino, CA.

Digital Art, Gallery DAK'ART,Keur Thiossane Villa pour les Arts Multimedia, Senegal,Africa.
International Symposium of Interactive Media Design4, Digital Art Exhibition, Yeditepe University Istanbul Turkey

Unitec Institute of Technology Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand
Intersculpt 2003 ,FNAC Digitale, Paris, France
TeleSculpture 2003 Exploratorium Museum, San Francisco, CA and Arizona State