ATC Lecture: Kal Spelletich, Fear and Fun October 10, 2011

Machine Artist Kal Spelletich builds interactive machines, robots and installations to provoke a response in his audience: wonder, awe and even fear. His influences include political activism, hybrid human machine systems, blurring the boundaries between man and machine and prosthetically augmenting the body.

As an artist his work attempts to challenge and subvert the applications of technology, the boundaries between art, the audience, fear and play. Spelletich experiments with creating a feedback loop between participant and machine. This work questions the role technology plays in our lives - how far people are prepared to submit to external forces, and how far they are willing to interact and play with technology?

For 31 years Kal Spelletich has been experimenting with interfacing humans and technology to put people in touch with intense real life experiences to empower them. Spelletich studied at the University of Iowa where he earned a B.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Art. In 1987, he founded SEEMEN, a machine art collective, before completing his M.F.A. at the University of Texas, Austin, in 1989. Over the years he has worked with art collectives, rock bands, scientists, politicians, NASA, Hollywood television and filmmakers. He curates art exhibits and is involved in political activism.

Machine artist Kal Spelletich uses his work to provoke a response in his audience: wonder, awe and even fear.

Official Website: http://bcnm.berkeley.edu