Overview

Unnatural Language is a network of electronic organisms (“Datapods”) that create sonic improvisations from physical sensors in the natural environment. Each Datapod has custom electronics connected to sensors, a speaker, and a wireless network. Encased in sculptural materials and dispersed into a natural environment, the Datapods enter into a sonic dialogue with the existing ecosystem of plants and animals.

This was one of eight sculptures Scott Kildall created while on residency at Bangkok 1899, and it reflects Bangkok’s reuse economy by using reclaimed wood and recycled auto parts from the Sieng Keng Zone. The Datapod for this would rest on the sculpture itself and would take live air quality measurements and transform audio samples of coughing based on the air quality of the city.

About the Artist

Scott Kildall is a new media artist who transforms datasets into sculptures and audio installations. The resulting artworks often invite public participation through interaction with nature: water, plants, air and more. His work has been exhibited internationally at venues including the New York Hall of Science, Transmediale, the Venice Biennale and the Vancouver Art Gallery. He resides in San Francisco and is currently researching environmental issues and building custom electronic sensors to look at invisible phenomena on our planet.

Credits: The Unnatural Language project is an ongoing collaboration between Scott Kildall and Michael Ang. Thanks to Bangkok 1899 for the support for creation of this work.

*Bangkok 1899 is a new cultural and civic hub established by Creative Migration, a women-led, international arts org based in Los Angeles and Bangkok.