Bergen, Norway 21-24 Nov– Art lovers in Bergen are buzzing with curiosity as they observe a decline in exhibitions featuring diverse groups of artists and artworks. Many galleries have shifted their focus to solo exhibitions or site-specific projects, leaving the community to ponder: where are the exhibitions that unite multiple artists and provide a broader, more panoramic perspective on contemporary themes?

Amidst this shift, Piksel, the festival for electronic art and technological freedom, continues to stand strong in this guerrilla warfare of creativity. Now in its 22nd edition, the Piksel festival is set to arrive in Bergen with a robust lineup of artists presenting a significant electronic art exhibition. The festival will feature two nights of audiovisual performances at Østre, workshops, and presentations at Studio207—a shared space located at Strandgaten 207, home to both Piksel and Borealis, as well as various venues around the city.

Piksel is where new media, art, hacking, and DIY culture converge. This year festival presents the opportunity for local artists to connect with active media labs based in Europe. Artist-researchers from APO33 (France), MADLAB (Cyprus), and STWST (Linz) will gather in Bergen to present a new edition of MEDIA()MESS, an intermedia artwork that explores the disconnections in our mediated realities through audiovisual performances, media activism, and collaborative research.

The festival also highlights sustainable ocean research and seafaring. Three visionary artists and engineers are behind the groundbreaking Ohanda.One Project, a utopian zero-emission ocean vessel designed to revolutionize sustainable ocean research. This mobile collaborative workspace and research platform aims to connect artists, scientists, and environmental organizations, fostering innovation while promoting open knowledge and environmental awareness. The ongoing workshop at Strandgaten 207 will serve as a hub for creative minds to tackle the pressing challenges facing our oceans.

The exhibitions will showcase more than 20 artists, theming video games and poetry, artificial intelligence warfare, privacy and the deep net, society defense strategies, and the ethical and environmental impact of technology. Visitors can expect interactive installations and experimental media, alongside live electronics, witnessing a fusion of technology and art that redefines live experiences.

Join us at the Piksel Festival 2024 from the 21^st to the 24^th of November in Bergen, and be part of a transformative artistic journey that challenges perceptions and sparks dialogue around the pressing issues of our time.

PIKSEL24 HASHTAGS
#InteractiveMedia, #LiveElectronics, #ExperimentalMusic, #ElectronicMusic, #LiveCoding, #NewMediaArt, #Piksel, #ElectronicArt, #TechnologicalFreedom, #Bergen, #InternationalNetwork, #FreeLibreOpenSource, #SoftwareProjects, #Workshops, #Performances, #ArtAndPolitics, #DigitalTechnology, #OpenSourceMovement, #ArtTechEconomy

Pictures: Audiovisual performance – Δ [Delta] – Miha Godec – Østre Saturday night
Exhibition and Workshop – Ohanda.one – Juergen Neumann, Tuomo Tammenpää, Julian Priest – Studio207
Audiovisual Performance MEDIA()MESS – APO33 (France), MADLAB (Cyprus), PIKSEL (Bergen), and STWST (Linz) Østre Friday night
Interactive installation – Here’s the Information We Collect- Tansy Xiao – Østre exhibition
Interactive 3D Game – Colateral Vertigo – Chico Ortiz de Carvalho – Piksel Exhibition
Interactive installation – Bioart – Organalog – Miha Godec – Piksel exhibition
Artificial Intelligence installation – Death Mother: As Above, So Below (2024) – Tor-Finn Malum Fitje – Piksel exhibition

Piksel Festival is approaching, taking place from November 21-24, and we need enthusiastic volunteers to help make this electronic art festival a success! 

We are looking for volunteers for both preparing and rigging the days before the opening of the festival and volunteers that can help us during the festival.

Join us in bringing this vibrant event to life by volunteering in one of the following areas:

• Rigging
• Camera/Documentation
• Exhibition Hosts
• Kitchen (simple serving)
• Runners/Tech Support

If you’re ready to dive in and be part of something special, we’d love to have you on board!

To apply:

Or send an email to prod (AT) piksel.no with the subject line “Volunteer Piksel Festival 24.”

Looking forward to hear back from you!

Date: Torsdag 26. september 2024
Time: 19:00 – 21:00
Place: Studio 207, Strandgaten 207, Bergen

Rob La Frenais in Bergen
We are excited to welcome curator and performance artist Rob La Frenais to Piksel Studio during his stay in Bergen. On September 26th, during our Stormy Thursday event, Rob will host an informal, free talk on the concept of slow travel.

Rob La Frenais, a writer and curator for over 40 years, has returned to artistic practice. He founded Performance Magazine in 1979 and was curator of The Arts Catalyst (1997-2014).

For Stormy Thursdays, he will discuss his recent slow-travel journey, part of Rewilding Cultures, retracing his 2019 route between France and Finland, focusing on changes since the pandemic and the effects of climate change. He will also screen the Let The Birds Have The Skies video.

Join Stormy Thursdays 26th September 19:00 – 21:00 to listen in on Robs thoughts.

Piksel brings IDLE to Ars Electronica’s STWST48x10 NOPE, September 6-8, 2024

Piksel is pleased to announce our participation in STWST48x10 NOPE, part of the Ars Electronica festival, taking place from September 6 to 8, 2024, in Linz, Austria. This year, Piksel will showcase IDLE, our digital platform designed for collaborative art and live performance, both as an exhibition and a presentation.

Accessible at idle.piksel.no, IDLE offers a space for visitors to engage in creative exploration, including live visual performances in the cyber salon and collaborative music-making through avatar interactions in the virtual street and left room. The platform’s virtual instruments, based on Hydra live coding for visuals and Strudel live coding for music, make it easy for users to engage with digital art tools.

IDLE features contributions from artists like Flor de Fuego, Blaz Pavlica, Malitzin Cortés, and Iván Abreu, whose works enhance the interactive experience with seamless integration of digital and physical projections. Piksel will also participate in the “NOPE Sound Performances and Talk,” a segment dedicated to the intersection of sound, performance, and digital art.

For more information, please visit STWST48x10 NOPE and NOPE Sound Performances and Talk.

Piksel24
November 21-23 2024
Bergen, Norway

Dear friends,

We are excited to announce the call for projects for the 22nd edition of the Piksel Festival!

Piksel will go hybrid again this year, so we welcome ideas for both online and physical collaborative activities. We are also interested in projects that involve the virtual gallery IDLE. If you are a 3D artist, live coder, or feel inspired by the virtual environment IDLE (Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art), we would love to hear your ideas. IDLE includes a virtual gallery that mimics the physical Piksel Studio 207 and is connected to the IDLE IoT system, with lights, screens, and a sound system controlled by the internet (Internet of Things system). Learn more at https://idle.piksel.no/.

To make the most of our resources and create a more sustainable event, we are extending the exhibition period from the festival dates until mid-December. We encourage you to present art installations that can be built in Bergen to minimize international transport, aligning with our green strategy. Due to limited resources, we will prioritize projects from individual artists or artist collectives that can explore a specific theme through multiple artworks and workshops. We warmly encourage artists to apply to different open tracks, as this will help us better understand the full scope of your work.

Please feel free to submit your projects to any of the open tracks: presentations, workshops, concerts, installations, and PikselSavers.

Piksel offers travel to Norway, accommodation, and meals during the festival and the setup days in advance to help you realize your project.

We look forward to receiving your submissions!

!!!!!!!!!! Deadline — September 1st 2024 !!!!!!!!!!
Please use the online submit form at: https://pretalx.com/piksel24/

—

Piksel is an international festival for electronic art and technological freedom. Part workshop, part festival, it is organised in Bergen, Norway, and involves participants from more than a dozen countries exchanging ideas, coding, presenting art and software projects, doing workshops, performances and discussions on the aesthetics and politics of art and free technologies.

open CALL for PROJECTS

For the exhibition and other parts of the program we currently seek projects in the following categories:

1. Installations
Projects to be included in the exhibitions. The works must be realized by the use of free and open source technologies.
For Piksel24 we specially encourage projects in the field of DIY BIOart and renewable/sustainable technologies to apply.

2. Audiovisual performance
Live art realized by the use of free software and/or open/DIY hardware.
If you are a 3D artist/live coder or feel inspired by the virtual environment IDLE, Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art, we would like to hear your ideas. IDLE consists of a virtual gallery, mimicking the physical Piksel Studio 207 and the IDLE IoT system, lights, screen and sound system controlled by internet (Internet of Things).
https://idle.piksel.no/

3. Presentations
Innovative DIY/open hardware and audiovisual software tools or software art released under a free/open license. (Also includes presentations of
artistic projects realized using free/open technologies.)
For Piksel24 we specially encourage projects in the field of DIY BIOart and renewable/sustainable technologies to apply.

4. Workshops
Hands on workshops utilizing free software and/or open/DIY hardware for artistic use.
For Piksel24 we specially encourage projects in the field of DIY BIOart and renewable/sustainable technologies to apply.

5. PikselSavers
Video and software art based on the screensaver format – short audiovisual (non)narratives made for endless looping. Possible thematic fields includes but are not limited to: sustainable resource allocation, renewable technologies, energy harvesting, fair trade hardware, free content, open access, open data, DIY economy, shared development. The works must be realized by the use of free/open source technologies.

—

Piksel24 is supported by the Municipality of Bergen, Arts Council Norway, Vestland fylkeskommune and others.

More info: https://piksel.no/

Date: Saturday May 25th
Time: 15:00 to 18:00
Location: Piksel Studio 207, Strandgaten 207, 5055 Bergen
Duration: 3 hours (including break)
Language: English (with Norwegian-speaking assistant present)
For artists and the general public (10 years and older)
Cost: Free
Led by Artists: María Castellanos and Alberto Valverde

Plants exhibit remarkable responsiveness to their environment, reacting to stimuli from humans, other organisms, objects, and various environmental factors such as temperature, sound, and light.

In this workshop, led by the artists María Castellanos and Alberto Valverde , sensors are utilized to monitor the plant’s surroundings in real-time, facilitated by a bespoke web platform tailored for this project. Through this exploration, we aim to deepen our understanding of the intricate interactions between plants and their environment, fostering awareness of the shared coexistence between living entities.

To reserve a place, send an email to piksel24(at)piksel.no with the subject line: Piksel Workshop – Monitoring the Environment of Plants. Kindly include in the email the names of all participants you are registering.

Exhibition – “Silent Vegetal Thoughts” – by María Castellanos and Alberto Valverde
May 24th – June 28th @ Studio 207, Strandgaten 207, Bergen.

Exhibition Opening May 24th 18:00- 22:00 @ Studio 207.
Exhibition Period: May 25th – June 28th
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 12:00-18:00

Ever wondered what goes on in the minds of the plants surrounding us?

In this site-specific installation at the Studio 207, plants take control of the environment by manipulating technological elements such as lights, sounds, and mechanical systems created with relays, including the Piksel studio’s internet-controlled lighting system.

Entering the exhibition, visitors becomes mere spectators, detecting patterns in plant behavior through observation.

The Exhibition opening takes place May 24th 18:00- 22:00 @ Studio 207.

Welcome to the Piksel Satellite Performance Event for ICLC the 2024 International Conference on Live Coding (ICLC), Shanghai 2024.

The International Conference on Live Coding (ICLC) is a global platform dedicated to exploring technologies and philosophies interpreting computer code as gesture within live performances. Hosted by NYU Shanghai, ICLC fosters dialogue and innovation within the live coding community worldwide.

On June 8^th guest artists Blaž Pavlica from Slovenia and Flor de Fuego based in Germany, perform the virtual instrument through Hydra instances live coding within IDLE, the Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art at Studio 207 in Bergen.

Date: June 8th
Time: 23:00-00:00 CEST
Where: Studio 207, Strandgaten 207, Bergen and Online -> https://www.twitch.tv/pikselfest
Entrance: Free

The Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art (IDLE), based in Studio 207, Bergen, is an innovative art project focused on making art more accessible via the internet. Initiated by Piksel, IDLE has undergone significant development, including the establishment of a virtual gallery, integration of IoT systems into Studio 207, and the creation of virtual audio and visual instruments for remote performances. https://idle.piksel.org/

IDLE innovative virtual instruments: IDLE is inviting local and international artists to challenge IDLE’s performing possibilities. During the EFFEA residency last year, guest artists Blaž and Flor de Fuego, contributed to create a virtual instrument. On June 8^th they will perform at the collaborative playground in the virtual gallery and extend its influence to the physical Studio 207.

Virtual Instruments are abstract instruments in the virtual space that can be musical or visual and they work taking into account the position of the avatars in the space, or their interaction with others. Collaborative interactions affect the physical and virtual gallery changing the color of the led lights, or applying different visual and audio effects over both venues.

Artists, art students and audiovisual performers are welcome to participate in the workshops to learn how to use the virtual instruments and create new performances using the developed tools. Join us the 13^th and 20^th of june. Participants will perform right after the workshops on public events!

Full program Live Coding at Piksel Fest Spill 2024

June 8^th 23-24h: Satellite event in Bergen produced for the International conference for Live Coding in Shanghai (ICLC). International performance by Blaž Pavlica (SL) and Flor de fuego (AR/DE) Live Event at the Piksel TV Channel (https://www.twitch.tv/pikselfest) and at Studio 207 in Bergen. ()

June 13^th, 20^th:
15-18h IDLE Virtual Instruments Workshops for art students, artists and general public.
18h: Art Experiences Performances featuring by the participants.

June 28^th:
20 h: Exhibition Program Closure
22 h: Final JAM IDLE Performance

Bergen, Norway – May and June 2024

Piksel Fest Spill Returns to Bergen, Celebrating Art, Technology, and Ecology (PDF)

Piksel Fest Spill, a cornerstone of electronic arts and free technology, is set to make its return to Bergen this May and June. Dedicated to democratizing technology and empowering artists, Piksel endeavors to create a space where creativity thrives, fueled by the power of open-source tools.

The festival’s program delves into the realms of DIY Bioart, exploring the intersection of art, science, and technology. Against the backdrop of pressing environmental challenges, artists converge to address themes like biological diversity, climate change, and symbiosis through experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Central to the festival is the inclusion of groundbreaking artists like María Castellanos and Alberto Valverde, who explore plant communication through the internet and neural networks. Piksel, recognizing their disruptive work, invites them to present a site-specific artwork at Studio 207, along with workshops targeting diverse audiences.

In addition, Piksel’s Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art (IDLE) continues its transformative journey, democratizing art through internet accessibility. With the forthcoming IDLE version 1.0, the project aims to connect a VR gallery with IoT systems, fostering interdisciplinary networks and engaging diverse communities through workshops and performances.

Highlighting the festival’s international resonance, Piksel hosts an ICLC Satellite Event on June 8th at Studio 207, presenting IDLE to the global live coding scene. This collaboration with the International Conference of Live Coding in Shanghai amplifies Bergen’s artistic offerings, synchronizing electronic art and new media with FestSpill.

Piksel Fest Spill 2024 promises to be a dynamic celebration of art, technology, and ecology, embodying Piksel’s commitment to artistic freedom, technological innovation, and environmental consciousness.

For media inquiries, please contact:

[Ina Glosli / ina(at)piksel(dot)no]

About Piksel:
Piksel is a pioneering platform dedicated to democratizing technology and empowering artists through open-source tools. With a focus on electronic arts and free technology, Piksel fosters creativity, experimentation, and collaboration in Bergen and beyond.

About IDLE:
The Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art (IDLE) is a multidisciplinary project initiated by Piksel, dedicated to democratizing art through internet accessibility. Through virtual galleries, workshops, and performances, IDLE engages diverse communities in creative exploration and collaboration.

About the International Conference of Live Coding (ICLC):
ICLC is a global platform dedicated to exploring technologies and philosophies interpreting computer code as gesture within live performances. Hosted by NYU Shanghai, ICLC fosters dialogue and innovation within the live coding community worldwide.

In the month of May and June, Piksel once again invite the general public, artists and thinkers alike to attend a series of interesting activities during the Piksel Fest Spill.

21^st
Discovering Plant Magic: A Sensory Adventure with Soft Sensors for KidZ

Duration: 3 hours. The workshop repeats two days:
When: Tuesday 21^st from 17:00 to 20:00 for individual kids and parents.
Age: 10-18 years old.
Place: Studio 207, Strandgaten 207, 5004 Bergen
To secure a spot, send us an email to piksel24(AT)piksel.no with the Subject line: Piksel Kidz.
Remember to include the day and time you wish to sign up for as well as name and age of participants!

“Discovering Plant Magic,” is an workshop where kids will embark on a captivating journey into the world of plants using soft sensors and IoT technology. In this hands-on experience, we’ll explore the incredible abilities of plants and create “soft sensors” to unveil the secrets of their hidden language.

Introduction to Plant Power:

• Uncover the wonders of plant life and learn how they harness energy through photosynthesis.
• Understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems and why plants are essential for our planet’s health.

The Magic of Soft Sensors:
Dive into the concept of soft sensors – flexible, adaptable devices that can measure changes in their environment. Explore how these soft sensors mimic the sensitivity of plants, making them perfect companions for our green adventure.

Connecting Plants with Soft Sensors and IoT:
Participants witness the transformation as we connect soft sensors to plants, turning them into interactive, data-sharing companions. Learn the basics of IoT technology and understand how it enables communication and collaboration between devices.

Hands-On Exploration: The workshop engages in interactive activities to create own soft sensors to communicate with plants, collecting data on their responses to the environment.

Imaginative Creations:
Collaborate with others to dream up imaginative scenarios where soft sensors and plants work together harmoniously.
Think together about how this technology can be used to create a more sustainable and interconnected world.

Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the intelligence and sensitivity of both plants and soft sensors. They will understand the basics of IoT and how it enables devices to communicate and collaborate seamlessly. All while they explore the potential for innovative, eco-friendly technologies inspired by the harmony between nature and soft sensors.

A workshop that seamlessly merges art, creativity, and eco-friendly technologies is immensely important for children’s development. This interdisciplinary approach offers a holistic learning experience, engaging kids on multiple levels and encouraging them to explore scientific concepts through hands-on activities. By stimulating imagination and fostering creativity, the workshop provides a space for children to think innovatively and express themselves.

In essence, a workshop that combines art, creativity, and eco-friendly technologies provides a dynamic and enriching learning experience. The hands-on exploration of creating soft sensors and delving into eco-friendly technologies nurtures children with valuable skills and environmental consciousness.

June 7^th
Create your own show with live coding visuals. LIVE Coding!

Duration: 3 hours.
When: June 7^th from 10:00 to 13:00
Age: 10-18 years old.
Place: Studio 207, Strandgaten 207, 5004 Bergen
To secure a spot, send us an email to piksel24(AT)piksel.no with the Subject line: Piksel Kidz.
Remember to include the day and time you wish to sign up for as well as name and age of participants!

The internet is full of open-source and free software that we can use to create exciting sound and visuals. This workshop for children aged 14ish will introduce Live coding to the kids. Live coding is an audio visual performance practice that revolves around the creation and modification of code and algorithms in real-time.

Throughout the 3 hours workshop the kids will experiment programming with very simple code sounds and visuals. The workshop intends to de-mystify technology and reveal its design decisions, limitations, and creative potential. Kids will produce a final performance all together at the end of the workshop.

In this workshop, attendees will be introduced to Hydra – a live coding environment created by Olivia Jack. Using live programming, they will have the opportunity to explore image and camera manipulation and create unique visuals. Additionally, we will discuss the various formats where video plays a crucial role, such as live concerts, art installations, and music videos.

Hydra is a web-based video synthesizer. Olivia describes live coding as writing code in real time to make visuals and/or music as part of a performance. Originally begun as a series of explorations in the browser, Hydra is now used by a large community of live coding performers who perform in clubs and other venues, as well as in online streamed performances throughout the pandemic. There are many resources for getting started with Hydra, and a number of spin-off projects including PIXELJAM, also by Olivia, which allows multiple performers to do live coding together. There are also periodic online meetups where live coders worldwide meet up to talk and show off their works created with Hydra.

Hydra is live code-able video synth and coding environment that runs directly in the browser. It is free and open-source and made for beginners and experts alike.

Hydra can be used:

• to mix and add effects to camera feeds, screenshares, live streams, and videos
• to create generative and audio-reactive visuals, and share them online with others
• in combination with other javascript libraries such as P5.js, Tone.js, THREE.js, or gibber
• to add interactive video effects to a website
• to experiment with and learn about video feedback, fractals, and pixel operations
• to stream video between browsers and live-jam with others online

Stormy Thursdays – Exploring the Convergence of Art and Free/Libre Technologies. Open workshops.

We are delighted to invite you to “Stormy Thursdays,” a series of interactive workshops where we delve into the intersection of art and free/libre technologies, fostering a serene space for exploration and creativity.

Discover the Art-Tech Connection: Immerse yourself in the serene blend of artistic expression and free/libre technologies, where innovation takes a tranquil form.

Participate, Craft, Share: These workshops prioritize hands-on engagement. Join us to participate actively, craft your projects, and share your creations with a community of like-minded individuals.

Free/Libre Technologies: Embrace the philosophy of open-source tools. Learn about free/libre technologies and contribute to a collaborative space of knowledge sharing.

Event Details:

Date: Every Thursday / January and February 2024
Time: 17-20 h
Venue: Studio 207, Strandgaten 207, Bergen

What to Anticipate:

Interactive Workshops
Live Demonstrations
Collaborative Project Showcases
Casual Networking with Creative Minds

Who Should Attend:

Artists
Tech Enthusiasts
Creatives
Those intrigued by the intersection of art and technology

RSVP Today: Send us an email to piksel24(at)piksel(dot)no

Let Thursdays become a canvas for peaceful creativity, an avenue for thoughtful exploration. We look forward to a serene collaboration of art and technology. See you there.