Cristo Riffo

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The exhibition Constellations explores through two artworks the microcosmos and its interactions with the macrocosmos, as biological and social constructs. The first work, Sistema Cinco: Non-Human Determinations discusses the relationships of microorganisms superimposing nature’s molecular technologies with human-made ones, using a microscope, A.I. and drone imagery to reimagine cybernetic management. The other one, The Self Writing Manifesto, is a microscopic observation exercise to extend temporalities of mycelium and its architectures, stretching our perception of non-human growth in time and scale.

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The artist’s work conveys and explores the complexity and contradictions of history, politics and technology. Using robotics, electronics, chemistry and microbiology, he creates poetic translations of reality with what he calls “philosophical machines”: machines that attempt to cope with the expansion of topics such as neo-fascism, disinformation wars and the exploitation of the other and of nature.

These machines have been conceptualized using light and shadow, the warmth of wood and the rigidity of metal, as well as found images and historical archive footage. They take the form of kinetic installations, bio-art pieces and audiovisual performances. In this way, each “philosophical machine”, through its use of form and materiality, demonstrates an expanded perception of art and aims to amplify reality.

Cristo Riffo is a student member and a recipient of the Hexagram-ELEKTRA project call 2022-2024. He is currently pursuing a MFA in Intermedia at Concordia University. Some of these works were developed in the biolab of the Milieux Institute for art, culture and technology.

About the Hexagram-Elektra Call for Projects

The partnership between the Hexagram Network and ELEKTRA aims to encourage exchanges between practice-based and academic communities. The ELEKTRA Gallery creates a space conducive to aesthetic and discursive research through digital artistic production. Consequently, this program values experimental or critical research-creation projects and supports the development of emerging artist members of the Network.

Cover Image : Sistema Cinco, ©Cristo Riffo.

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