NODE15 . Wrapped in Code – the future of the informed body

About

NODE15 is dedicated to the negotiation of the human body throughout current technological developments and how this is being expressed in our present projects; utopias; and fictions. We will reflect on processes of embodiment; the integral role of the body in perception and interaction; as location of implicit knowledge; and as a tool we constantly try to extend and optimize. 

When observing recent design developments we may assume that all is directed to an ideal state of complete seamlessness. We observe the virtualisation and dematerialisation of anything that is bound to decay. Design is focussed on the creation of intelligent surroundings which free us from the necessity of physical effort. 

Critical tasks such as health and mental care are being undertaken by robots while wars are being fought by remotely controlled drones. Roles formerly performed by human beings have undergone a process of disembodiment. We have reached a critical point and have to wonder if this process has started to run independently from actual human needs and nature. And in fact, we find spheres in which the human body slowly reclaims the attention it deserves. NODE15 focuses on this revival of the body.

The festival will address the relation of flesh and consciousness in the interdependent evolution of humankind and technology. It starts from the gradual incorporation of instruments and processes into the body. Gadgets and algorithms optimize our daily life and virtual reality devices try to connect our physical bodies to potentially any virtual space and time. 

NODE15 invites projects that investigate how these processes shape our perception and consciousness; how they alter communication and interaction with humans or machines. Coders, artists, scientists and developers will quarrel with the question, which significance to give to our flesh and shell called body.