Singularity:
Arising Electronic Consciousness
All about us in our daily world is the invisible geometry of evolving computer consciousness an intricate circuitry paralleling the neuro-patterning of the human brain. This circuitry inhabits our cell phones, pagers, cars, computers, calculators, cameras and toys they are omnipresent and shaping our daily experiences into a virtual reality a representational reality guided by a binary electronic medium.
The works presented here are an experimental art medium utilizing the hidden and common detritus of the modern high tech world printed circuit boards. Within the rich, complex tapestry of electronic circuitry, hidden in the architecture of computer intelligence is the revelation of an invisible micro-aesthetic.
What is this art about?
Science and art have converged in the circuit board to make an incredible statement about their necessary relationship. This work explores the nexus of art and science–to reveal a profound aesthetic that has great significance in shaping our reality today.
These sculptures explore the repeating patterns underlying the mathematical structure of our physical reality. Many traditional forms of art have unconsciously explored this reality and now modern science is emulating it in the development of a new intelligence. The images created here are an exploration of these underlying patterns of self-similarity.
Electronic Consciousness
Computer scientists now talk about The Singularity
The technological creation of smarter-than-human intelligence. This debate is not about whether or not this can be achieved but when. Scientists in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) predict this evolutionary leap in intelligence by 2045.
I believe the art presented here is among the earliest artistic representations of this new consciousness that is shaping our future. They are not just artistic representations of the computer mind but the constellation of the actual circuitry into representational art sculpture. And within these ubiquitous 21st century objects a rising future consciousness.
What are printed circuit boards?
Simply put, they are a mechanism to physically support and electronically connect components using conductive copper pathways etched on a laminated non-conductive substrate. This substrate is typically constructed of fiberglass and resin epoxy. On the surface of the circuit boards are mounted resisters, transistors, capacitors, diodes and integrated circuit chips. You might want to note that many of the individual works presented here do not have this surface mounted technology in order to better display their etched surface patterns–finding circuit boards at this stage of manufacturing is nearly impossible.
Keep in mind that each printed circuit board is a unique design for a specific task and that they are manufactured in a nearly infinite variety of shapes and sizes. They are primarily green in color. This appears to be the historical standard for the industry. While it is rare to find alternative colors, every effort was made to obtain a wide variety of colors for these sculptures. As you examine these sculptures you will also notice that gold is a common element, as well as copper and silver.
Art from circuit boards
There are many unique aspects to this art. Not the least was identifying and accumulating a substantial variety of electronic circuit boards. One cannot simply order up whatever one wants you take what you can get! Every art piece was created out of a finite supply of circuit boards. In addition, many hundreds of hours were devoted to preparing the individual boards for this project.
These are original works of art. It is unlikely that any of the circuit boards utilized here could ever be duplicated due to the limited and transitory nature of their manufacturing cycle. In fact, if current research trends hold true, the contemporary circuit board will disappear within the next decade rendering each art piece a fossil artifact of our unique technological evolution.
About the artist:
GARY A. FREITAS resides in Phoenix, AZ. Prior to this he was a life-long child of the San Francisco Bay Area.
He has earned a B.A. in political science and Ph.D. in psychology. Gary’s art represents 15 years of effort devoted to developing an experimental art medium utilizing computer and electronic components, resulting in over 100+ sculptures.