I̶n̛t͘e͟rf̕e̢ren̵ce

2019

Single-user virtual reality experience

Interference – a network dropping out, white noise on screens – is seldom welcome. Yet without it, we might not encounter new perspectives or discover new stars. At Jodrell Bank Observatory, scientists regard interference as unhelpful noise or ‘dust’ in the data. But when combining data from multiple telescopes, wave interference models reveal useful data patterns, uncovering phenomena such as pulsars. Using algorithmic techniques inspired by astrophysics wave interference patterns, I̶n̛t͘e͟rf̕e̢ren̵ce transports participants to an organic visual and sonic landscape at the intersection of deep space data and knowledge to seek out dying, spinning stars.

Commissioned by Abandon Normal Devices as part of the COSMOS artist in residence programme at Jodrell Bank Observatory.

Link

www.andfestival.org.uk/events/interference/

Exhibitions

2019 bluedot Festival, Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire, UK

Events

2019 CreativeXR showcase at Digital Catapult, London

Partners

COSMOS is a flagship international artists commission and residency for the Lovell Telescope. Produced by Abandon Normal Devices, commissioned by Jodrell Bank Observatory, Abandon Normal Devices and Cheshire East Council  as part of SHIFT .

Sponsors

Supported by University of Manchester , bluedot, Arup , Kuva , with public funds from Arts Council England  (ACE) and CreativeXR, a joint collaboration between Digital Catapult  and ACE.

Team

Rachel Connelly; Lou Hargreaves, Catherine Waddington and the team at Abandon Normal Devices; Rene Breton; Sally Cooper; Ben Stappers and Tim O’Brien from the University of Manchester; Simon Blakeney; Naomi Tansey; Tim Griggs and Simon Jackson from Arup; and the Kuva crew.