circuit bending as a way of new media self expression

Circuit bending is a form of glitch art that takes ordinary electronic toys and “short circuits” them.  As the circuits are rewired, or “bent”, they emit noises.  Now, these noises vary greatly not only by what points you touch but also with what you touch them with and in what order.  This combination results in an exciting and extremely random combination of groans, grunts ,boops, and beeps.  Think of an electronic horror film scene.  These noises are enough to put chills on the necks of just about anyone.  but why is this techno slasher soundtrack art?  How does basically destroying the inner workings of a childs toy count as art and what does this mean in the case of modern video and performance art.

           

            Before we can talk more in depth about circuit bending, we must first define and explain what glitch art is.  This is the category that circuit bending fits in, but encompasses much more than just that.  As a whole, glitch art is any form of electronic error that is made by using programs or electronics. The point to glitch art is to not make cool sounds and effects but was mainly to break from the norm and in a way put on a pedestal te errors that many of us try and hide in our work.  Because of these mistakes, there is no wrong  way to do glitch art.  Its highly experimental and free from rules that other art forms possess.  

            Circuit bending, as I have said before, is rewiring childs electronics to find hidden noises, also called ”artifacts”.  But why is this art? After all, anybody can do this.  It requires no experience or electronic background to mess around haphazardly on a circuit board.  There is a simple process to this kind of art.  Step one: find an electronic toy, popular ones are speak and spells or childs music keyboards.  Step two: pop open the back and find the circuit board.  Step 3: mess around with the board.  You can use switches, wires, clips, even your own body through the use of te electricity that runs naturally within you.  This quick form of art is what makes it so easy for anyone to do. 

            Circuit bending pioneer Reed ghalaza is a key component in the history of circuit bending.  His practices in bending has motivated tons of others to try it for themselves.  In his latest work The Incantor, he uses speak and spells, speak and reads, and speak and maths to allow users to shift and manipulate the circuits.(1)

This form of art applies heavily to the modern movement as well as new media art.  Taking what could be interpereted as order and logic and messing with it to create controlled chaos is in a way what art is about.  Messing with order and bending rules to create things that are both inspiring and thought provoking.

            Circuit bending is the DIY art of new media.  Being able to break apart a toy and mess around with the insides has made this form of art accessible to everyone and anyone that wants to try it. 

Hertz, Garnet1, and Jussi2 Parikka. “Zombie Media: Circuit Bending Media Archaeology into an Art Method.” Leonardo 45, no. 5 (October 2012): 425–430.





Post by bryan stringfield