Machine Perception - Alex Carmichael 

Machine Perception

Machine Perception - Alex Carmichael

“The network, fragmented and unevenly distributed, induces a growing sense that alternative worlds are very close indeed.” (Bridle, 2012)

Magpie Arts presents artist Alex Carmichael for its second exhibition at The Hackney Picturehouse.

Carmichael’s work discusses subjects that include: the nature of perception, alternate states and the question of what is real and unreal.

The exhibition will include a recent series of photograms by the artist, entitled Machine Perception. The images are derived from online demonstrations of facial recognition technologies. This documentation typically consists of a grid, or a set of points or lines, which are super-imposed over a human face to enable computers to recognize the facial expressions relayed.

To achieve the physical result of the photogram, Carmichael uses the emitting light from the computer screen to process the image to its completion. This process directly relates to the primary discourse within contemporary photography; where the value of traditional, material methods must be reassessed in the context of the dominant currency of digital imaging.

Carmichael’s previous work has developed ideas around perceptual distortions, spirit photography and the scientific study of subjective experiences. He is now taking these ideas forward and applying them to concepts of the “network”, addressing the sociological implications of a digitally mediated environment.

Alex Carmichael lives and works in London. He is currently a resident artist at the Florence Trust.

Magpie Arts are developing an arts practice at The Hackney Picturehouse that is focused on cinema as its subject. The aim is to exhibit a range of artists whose works offer a varied and incisive view of the subject.

If you would like further information on the show please contact Magpie Arts on info@magpie-arts.com

http://www.facebook.com/magpieathackPH/info