Stelarc

Stelarc ArsElectronica97

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Stelarc conference Montréal (5103983046)

Stelarc is a performance artist and academic known for his work blending human bodies with technology. Born in Limassol, Cyprus, in 1946 as Stelios Arcadiou, he later legally changed his name to Stelarc, a moniker that reflects his artistic and personal philosophy. Stelarc's work explores the boundaries between the human body and technology, questioning the limitations of the body and proposing new forms of human-machine integration.

Early Life and Education

Stelarc grew up in Limassol, Cyprus, before moving to Australia with his family. He pursued his education in the arts, focusing on the concept of the body and its relationship with technology. Stelarc completed his studies at RMIT University in Melbourne, where he was deeply influenced by the burgeoning field of cybernetics and the potential for human enhancement through technology.

Artistic Career

Stelarc's artistic career is marked by his innovative and often controversial performances and installations. His work is characterized by the use of prosthetics, robotics, virtual reality, and biotechnology to extend and challenge the capabilities of the human body. Some of his most notable projects include:

- Ear on Arm: A multi-year project where Stelarc had a cell-cultivated ear surgically implanted onto his forearm. This project explores themes of self-modification and the body as a sculpture. - Third Hand: A robotic prosthetic hand that Stelarc controlled with his muscle signals, blurring the lines between human movement and mechanical precision. - Exoskeleton: A six-legged robotic walking device that Stelarc could control, enhancing his mobility and suggesting futuristic forms of human locomotion. - Suspension: Performances where Stelarc suspended his body in the air using hooks pierced through his skin, challenging the limits of physical endurance and pain.

Themes and Philosophy

Stelarc's work raises profound questions about the future of the human body, identity, and the integration of technology into our biological selves. He posits a future where technology and biology merge, leading to new forms of existence and interaction. His performances often provoke discussions about the ethics of body modification, the nature of self in the digital age, and the potential for humans to adapt to new technological environments.

Impact and Legacy

Stelarc's contributions to the fields of performance art and body art have been significant, influencing a generation of artists and thinkers interested in the intersection of technology and the human body. His work has been exhibited internationally, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his pioneering contributions to art and technology.

Academic Career

In addition to his artistic work, Stelarc has also been an influential figure in academia. He has held positions at various institutions, including a long-standing role as a professor at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. Through his lectures, writings, and workshops, Stelarc has mentored many students and artists, encouraging them to explore the boundaries of what is possible with technology and the human body.

See Also

• Cyborg
• Performance art
• Body modification