EMERGE [2021]

360-Degree Immersive Projection Room. By Betty Sargeant and Justin Dwyer

The Cube, Multi-Arts Pavilion mima, Lake Macquarie 2021

EMERGE is an other-worldly, immersive audio-visual installation by the media art duo PluginHUMAN (Betty Sargeant and Justin Dwyer). EMERGE illuminates unique qualities of natural ecosystems in the Lake Macquarie area. This is a site specific 360-degree projection artwork that engages with local ecosystems, revealing their hidden qualities.

PluginHUMAN used microscopes, hydrophones, biopolymer and computer generated animation techniques to develop this artwork. The title EMERGE, relates to the emergence of the new MAP mima space. It also directs attention to how this artwork uncovers hidden aspects of natural environments. This dual interpretation allows us to consider our relationships to both built and natural environments.

CREDITS

Justin Dwyer ~ Artist (projection artist), creative director, programmer

Betty Sargeant ~ Artist, producer

Meri Leeworthy ~ Composer

RELATED PROJECTION MAPPING AND LIGHT ART

PluginHUMAN have created a series of projection mapping artworks. EMERGE is part of a wider body of work. Betty Sargeant and Justin Dwyer have created numerous projection mapping artworks and art lighting sculptures that provide audiences with immersive and interactive experiences. These include the projection mapping art experience DREAM 2.2, and projection artworks CONCEAL and THE ART OF CONSTANT CHANGE.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES

PluginHUMAN is a multi-award-winning art duo led by Dr Betty Sargeant and Justin Dwyer. PluginHUMAN are at the progressive edge of their field, providing audiences with new cultural, environmental and scientific perspectives. Their artworks address the leading questions and concerns of our times.

PluginHUMAN’s work centres around the art of illumination. They create projection mapping, video artworks and led immersive multi-sensory environments. They use the medium of light to translate complex data into meaningful audience experiences.

PluginHUMAN have created commissioned artworks for institutions such as the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (Taiwan), the Asia Culture Centre (South Korea), Questacon (Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre), the Melbourne Museum (White Night Festival, Australia) and Experimenta (Australian triennial touring media art exhibition). They have exhibited in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. PluginHUMAN were awarded the Rupert Bunny Foundation Visual Art Fellowship (2019/20) where they developed new carbon neutral materials and working methods. They have also won Good Design Awards (2020 and 2018), and a Victorian Premier’s Design Award (2017).

PluginHUMAN has an acute understanding of the role that technology plays in contemporary society. They reimagine new technologies to produce artistic innovations, creating meaningful large and small scale audience experiences for indoor spaces and outdoor public arenas.