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.

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

We are honored to host the Goodiepal performance at Studio 207 on Sunday 17th of December 2023. A unique opportunity to know this enigmatic and influential figure of the experimental music in Bergen.

Goodiepal: The Enigmatic Sound Pioneer

Goodiepal, born as Parl Kristian Bjørn Vester, is an avant-garde composer, electronic musician, and multi-disciplinary artist hailing from Denmark. Born on September 11, 1974, in Rønne, Goodiepal has become a fascinating figure in the realm of experimental music.

Known for his eccentric approach to sound and performance, Goodiepal has spent decades pushing the boundaries of traditional music genres.

Goodiepal’s sonic journey is a kaleidoscope of influences, ranging from electronic beats to avant-garde compositions. He has carved out a unique niche in the music scene, blending technology with a deep appreciation for the avant-garde. His performances are unpredictable, immersive experiences that challenge the norms of conventional music.

In addition to his work as a musician, Goodiepal introduced the concept of Radical Computer Music in response to the prevalent Scandinavian practice of categorizing notated music as “serious music.” Seeking to redefine the relationship between humans and machines, he advocates for communicating with computers using newly created languages. According to Goodiepal, this novel linguistic approach has the potential to elevate the man-machine relationship to a higher level, fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of computer music.

Goodiepal remains an enigmatic and influential figure, leaving an indelible mark on the world of experimental music. His creative spirit continues to inspire those who seek to explore the limitless possibilities of sound and expression.

#RadicalComputerMusic #Innovation #ManMachineRelationship

https://komponistbasen.dk/node/8812#1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodiepal

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radical_Computer_Music

The Piksel (no) festival tours have been cancelled, the festival activities will proceed as programmed on Thursday and Saturday, with the exception of the tours around the city and Rare Earth Walks with Max Dovey – Piksel Kidz.

Please follow our webpage and social media for updates.

Thursday 23.11:

Piksel (NO) Festival opening Studio 207 18:30-23:00

18:30 DJ Performance Anders G.

21:00 Piksel festival activities presentation

• IDLE presentation: “Discovery artists” EFEEA residency artists Flor de Fuego and Blaž Pavlica who have developed an unique visual instrument for the Web Virtual Reality (WebVR) environment IDLE using the live coding framework Hydra.
• Presentation of the exhibition “A knock from below heard at the bottom” from Polina Medvedeva and the artistic director Julie Lillelien Porter from Lydgalleriet.

22:00 Open studio207 • Open decks • Open Beamer
Showcase of Free/Libre & Open Source New Media/ DIY/OSHW / Electronic Art

Saturday 25.11: Piksel (NO) Festival “Discovery artists” EFEEA IDLE Performance.

21:00 Open studio207 • Open decks • Open Beamer
Showcase of Free/Libre & Open Source New Media / DIY/OSHW / Electronic
Art

22:00 PIKSEL (NO) Festival is presenting the “Discovery artists” EFEEA
residency artists Flor de Fuego and Blaž Pavlica, IDLE Performance

23:00 Open studio207 • Open decks • Open Beamer Showcase of Free/Libre
& Open Source New Media/ DIY/OSHW / Electronic Art

For more info:
https://no.piksel.no

Dear Collaborators and Community,

With mixed emotions, we announce the conclusion of our collaborations with the guest curators for the 2023 edition of the Piksel Festival. Due to increasing differences regarding the scope of their involvement, we feel that the only way of moving forward and still keep the integrity of the Piksel Festival is to end our collaboration at this point.

The Piksel (no) festival is still happening, festival activities will proceed as programmed on Thursday and Saturday, with the exception of the tours around the city.

Please follow our webpage and social media for updates.

We express our gratitude to the curators for their contributions and dedication throughout our time together. Additionally, we want to thank the artists included in the program and apologize for this last-minute decision and any inconvenience it may cause.

We remain committed to fostering creativity and excellence in our endeavors, and we eagerly anticipate new opportunities and partnerships that align with our vision and values.

Thank you for your continued support.

*28th International Symposium of Electronic Art *

Piksel is presenting the project IDLE Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art at the ISEA SYMBIOSIS 23 as a part of the event program Analysis, theory & politics of care (in Electronic Arts) May 17th at 4:30 GMT+2 at Mains d’Œuvres.

The event is organized by the EU funded project Toolkit of Care, an Action’s network to share collective expertise and technical knowledge employed in creative ways to develop knowledge and methodologies of care. Enabling creative technology to form a “critical network of care”.

https://isea2023.isea-international.org/en/programme/view/47/analysis-theory-politics-of-care-in-electronic-arts

With our ongoing project Inclusive Digital Laboratory for Experimental Art (IDLE) recognized as a useful tool by the Toolkit of Care network, Piksel representatives will present the concept of IDLE and its possibilities to the International Electronic Art Symposium 2023 Audience.

IDLE intends to offer a creative virtual meeting point for school kids, youngsters, people with reduced mobility, artists performing remotely who want to interact with the physical world, and all of those art curious lovers that want to look for new physical-virtual new experiences.

https://piksel.no/2023/01/28/inkluderende-digitalt-laboratorium-for-eksperimentell-kunst-idle