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Computer bugs
By Julie Alice Chappell hsmag.cc/qT0TUky love of nature and art coincide in my tiny
sculptures which I call, ‘Computer Bugs’. I find
art to be a free-flowing and abstract way in which
to consider the natural world.
Insects are the main subject of my work, but
also the genius of humankind’s technological
advances as seen in the ever-increasing leaps forward in computer
technology. The downside to this technology is capitalism’s
insistence in profits over limited resources, resulting in ‘planned
obsolescence’. Combining biology and computer technology as
sculptural artworks gives me a perfect way in which to express
my concerns about the problems of ever-increasing mountains of
e-waste, and its effects on the natural world, especially at ground
level where the waste is dumped.
The materials I use are obsolete computer gadget components. I
find these objects to be perfect, precise, and beautiful, with all their
intricate design and shimmering colours yet they are never meant
to be seen by human eyes, hidden inside metal casings until they
become obsolete, to be replaced by the newest technology. I like
to create my pieces so that the components can be recognised, but
as these objects are transformed into artworks, they become purely
aesthetic with a total loss of their former functionality.
I am inspired by artists Leonardo Ulian and Franco Recchia. Ulian
solders colourful electronic components to create ethereal looking
mandalas, giving a sense of spirituality to electronics, almost as
though to suggest a modern-day worship of computer technology.
Recchia creates stunning cities from circuit boards and the inner
components, and metal casings found inside old computers.
Both of these artists use the materials that I use and for many of
the same reasons, but with entirely different results. It is exciting to
see the creativity of other artists who see and admire what I see in
these unusual art materials.M