In the last 10 years we have been committed to creating a space dedicated to the reflection and creation in the intersection of art, science and technology at the National University of Tres de Febrero (Argentina). It has been a great challenge as the domain appeared limitless, allowing an immense possibility for research. Consequently, a degree in Electronic Arts as well as a masters’ degree were created. They played the role of creating a melting-pot of artists, researchers, students, professors, practitioners that contributed in animating the local scene of electronic arts. Around these academic programs, many activities that transcend the university domain arose in Buenos Aires. Seminars, exhibitions, international artists´ visits, and many other initiatives contributed to enhancing and in setting channels of discussion and reflection in the media art local arena. As a result of these actions the utopia of translocation and articulation of long-term programs becomes a reality.
I am very excited to participate as jury of Ars Electronica this year. For me, this is a great opportunity to articulate my own perspective about the domain, and at the same time it would allow me to build a map on the latest tendencies in the field of interactive media. I believe interactive art pieces should confront common stereotypes through new forms of interaction, that do not necessarily imply physical interaction based on software tools or hardware appliances, but essentially a kind of conceptual interaction that would defy pre-conceived notions, enacting innovative actions and conceptions in a social and political context.
Mariela Yeregui is an electronic artist, and her works include interactive installations, video installations, net art, interventions in public spaces, video-sculptures, and robotic installations.
Her works have been awarded prestigious prizes —such as the First Prize in BEEP_Art (Barcelona) in 2003, the First Prize at the National Salon of Visual Arts 2005, in the “New Supports” category, the Third Prize in the Transition MX Festival, the First Prize in Museum of Modern Art and Telefonica Prize 2004— and exhibited in various festivals and exhibitions around the globe.
She has a Bachelor degree in Arts (University of Buenos Aires), graduated from the school of the National Institute of Cinematography, and holds a Master degree in Literature (Université Nationale de Côte d’Ivoire) with a specialization in African literature.
She has written several articles on the history and aesthetics of electronic art, the problems of robotic art, the transdisciplinary perspective in the interrelationship between art and technology, etc.
She was artist in residence at the Hypermedia Studio (University of California-Los Angeles), the Banff Centre for the Arts (Canada), the MECAD (Media Centre d’Art i Disseny – Barcelona, Spain), and the Stiftung Künstlerdorf Schöppingen (Germany).
She is a founder and director of the Master in Technology and Aesthetics of Electronic Arts at the National University of Tres de Febrero (Argentina)