SDNA: Electric Bloom

Over 200 years ago Hackney was a cultural destination for visitors around the globe, home to London's textile industry and the largest botanical hothouse in the world from the Loddiges family. 

SDNA has been exploring this fascinating hidden history by working with the local community and council for over six months, curating workshops across art, film, animation, music, spoken word, textiles and garden design with renowned creatives.

The result, an evening of celebration of Hackney’s textile and botanical history featuring giant projections and live music at St John at Hackney, sound and video installations at St Augustine’s Tower and the launch of two permanent lighting installations on Morning Lane and Churchwell Path.

Plus Carnival Performers from Hackney One Carnival, the premiere of two original Electric Bloom music compositions by Rowland Sutherland and Orphy Robinson, the Bikini Beach Band, Toshi-Monkey's blooming origami workshop, bell ringers and more....

For the full line up and for more information check the Electric Bloom website.

SDNA developed and presented the digital artwork for Love & Light at St Margaret's Barking.

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Rowland Sutherland sextet.

Cinetaxis

SDNA produce distinctive digital artwork and unusual presentation media to create immersive environments. Their objective is to explore techniques of visual interaction with public spaces. By using innovative technologies and creating artwork in situ they aim to expand the development of digital art by integrating it into site-specific installations and live performances.

I worked with them as part of the Love & Light public art event in Barking. The following comes from the press release for Cinetaxis:

"SDNA will take over the cavernous corridor of SHUNT, transforming it into the both beautiful and grotesque: the fascinating and unsettling world of CINETAXIS.

Cinetaxis is a unique personal insight into the world of insects.

After two years of observing and filming insects, SDNA will animate the huge underground vaults below London Bridge drawing aesthetic links between the fascinating structure of these microscopic bodies and the human form.

Giant projections and sound installations will transform over the two weeks into a unique interactive performance featuring an exciting line-up of international electronic musicians, theatrical performers and visual artists.

The inspiration for the title 'Cinetaxis' is derived from research into phototaxis (insects' automatic reaction to light sources), and a desire to explore the same in humans ‘attraction to light', both real and metaphorical.

Distinctive? Without a doubt! SDNA concocts new content with new form, opening a dialogue between art disciplines. Digital video, electronic music and theatrical performance coexist to produce this one of its kind audio-visual art form.

Since 2003 SDNA have developed and presented digital art and theatrical productions for museums, fashion labels, city councils, musicians and many more. Our work varies from audiovisual installation and performance to interactive, architectural, large scale digital projections.

Previous projects have taken place internationally from Russia to Tahiti. In London venues have included the V & A Museum, the ICA and the Whitechapel Gallery."

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sdna tv and dubmode 2008.