Guto Nóbrega

Breathing

Abstract:
“Breathing” is a work of art based on a hybrid creature made of a living organism (a plant) and an artificial system. In the core of that system a plant Jibóia (Epipremnum pinnatum) has its electrophysiological signal monitored by an analogical-digital circuit in order to control a robotic interface. This interface is made of a servo mechanism, fibre optics and light-emitting diodes. The circuit that monitors the plant is made of a Galvanic Skin Response, adapted to measure electrical resistance in vegetal leaves, coupled to a microcontroller such as “arduino”.

Biography:
Guto (Carlos) Nóbrega is Doctor of Philosophy (2009) by The Planetary Collegium (CAiiA-STAR), based on the School of Art and Media, University of Plymouth – UK, where he developed 4 years of research under supervision of Prof. Roy Ascott. His doctoral thesis, funded by CAPES – BRAZIL, is a transdisciplinary research in the fields of art, science, technology and nature that investigates how the confluence of these domains (in special in the last decades) has informed the creation of new aesthetics experiences. As a result of this study it was developed a theoretical-practical intervention in the field of arts with focus on the ideas of interactivity, telematics, field theories, and the most recent theories of biophotons. During this process it was developed a series of artworks that encompasses drawings, photos, videos and robotics systens. His works has been presented widely in exhibitions and conferences such as: Arizona College of Fine Arts -Arizona – US, ISEA – Singapore, University of Quebec in Montreal’s Coeur des Sciences, University of Applied Arts Vienna, Sala Parpalló – Valência – Spain, LABoral – Centro de Arte y Creación Industrial, Gijon – Spain, Facultad de Ciencias Sociais y Comunicación Universidad del País Vasco – Bilbao – Spain, International Institute Of Biophysics – Neuss – Germany, Roland Levinsky Building, University of Plymouth – UK, Art Centre – Plymouth – UK, Barbican Theatre – Plymouth – UK, Cornerhouse – Manchester – UK. His articles have been published in journals and books. Guto Nóbrega is artist, researcher, has MA in Communication, Technology and Aesthetics by ECO-UFRJ – Brazil (2003) and is Bachelor in Engraving by the Escola de Belas Artes – UFRJ – Brazil (1998). Since 1995 he holds a position as Adjunct Professor at the same University.