Fluxmedia is a research-creation network based in the Department of Communication Studies at Concordia University in Montreal. The network includes a artists, scholars, grad students and research labs engaged with interdisciplinary research across art and the life sciences. ‘Fluxmedia explores how emerging technologies and biomedia intersect with new modes of artisitic practice and cultural theory.’
The ‘Going Viral’ research project engaged by principal investigator and Fluxmedia founder Tagny Duff assisted by Antonia Hernandez explores the way contemporary developments in biological and medical sciences provides new ways of thinking about and theorising viruses in their biophysical, technical and socio-cultural manifestations.
The Microscopy Project developed by Brandon Ballengee, AlisonLoader and Tagny Duff combines microscopy and video animation to ‘explore the liminal space between living and undead.’ (http://www.fluxmediaresearch.com/#515798/Microscopy-project). Using an inverted tissue culture microscope and a video camera the project images stained frog specimens aiming to explore and develop techniques for experimental video, (re)animation and still imaging of organisms at the microscopic level.
Researchers associated with Fluxmedia in 2010-2011 include;
Fluxmedia founder Tagny Duff (Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies University of Concordia) and Artist and Researcher exploring and working with medical imaging, biological materials and laboratory cultures;
Artist and Biologist Brandon Ballangee, who combines a fascination with fish and amphibians with the techniques of commercial art photography – his work has concentrated on researching and documenting mutations in amphibian populations, this work includes an almost performative inclusion of the public in the artist’s surveys as a means of engaging public interest. Brandon is visiting scientist at Redpath Museum. McGill University and PhD Candidate of the University of Plymouth;
Filmmaker and animation specialist Alison Loader whose work has explored identity, race and cultural heritage and whose research interests include Stereoscopy, Animated Installation, and Anamorphis;
Antonio Hernanadez whose research has focussed on the intersection between pornography and domestic space motivated by a ‘personal quest for a new ecology of domestic space’;
Britt Wray a Biologist, Artist and Science Communicator whose research interests include ‘biotech criticism, synthetic biology, evolutionary ecology, conservation bio, biomedical ethics, radio broadcasting and documentary’. Britt is workshop coordinator at StudioXX a bilingual feminist digital art centre for technological exploration, creation and critique.
Claire Kenway who has a background in music and sound art and whose research focuses on the intersections between sound, space, experience, and emotion. Claire has performed internationally as a DJ for over a decade although now works with sound in installations.
Geneviève RUEST, is a Montréal based visual artist working with digital print media and installation with medical imageries. Her artistic research focuses on the ‘human body through its transformations and mutations from generation to generation.’ (http://www.genevieveruest.com/html/biography.html)
Interdisciplinary artist Kelly Andres who is ‘fascinated with ecologies and energies from those of cellular species such as plants and animals to those of electronic media such as radio waves and transmission devices’.
Interdisciplinary Artist Vanessa Rigaux whose practice encompasses performance rooted in theatre, live sculpture, contemporary dance, clowning, collaboration and improvisation. Vanessa is interested in the role of the clown and the absurd, dichotomies , nature, and the performer audience relationship.