Mark Skwarek is a new media artist working to bridge the gap between virtual reality and the real world by using augmented realities and multi-user online environments to bring a virtual context into physical space. He explores this intersection in both his private art practice as well as in academic research projects. Mark primarily works with 3-D graphics and video game technology to create new media works of art. Mark's current body of work gives context to society's present condition in the United States by drawing from related social and political issues in real time. These weighted concepts are mixed with public augmented realities to give new meaning to the experience of the physical space. Mark's has recently shown in ISEA 09, CyberArts 09, the Sunshine International Art Museum in Beijing and the Krannert Art Museum at the University of Illinois. Mark is also an adjunct professor at NYU Polytech University and City Tech University CUNY.
Joseph Hocking has a significant background in and knowledge of 3D animation, Joe's art-making activities chiefly revolve around programming, as his work demands custom software for virtually every project. In addition to creating real-time 3D artwork, he teaches classes about game design, 3D animation, and interactive programming at schools such as Columbia College and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Children of Arcadia by Mark Skwarek and Joseph Hocking , photography, 2006-09
Children of Arcadia [COA], is a virtual world that gives context to United States society's condition in the form of a real time Baroque virtual world. The world is continually being updated with information gathered from the Internet about the United States economy and society. As gathered information about the United States changes, so does the virtual world of COA. These changes produce shifts that affect both the virtual world and its inhabitants. If the economy is doing poorly the environment will face the Apocalypse. If the economy is doing well the world will become an Arcadia. On the other hand if the information about American society is bad the inhabitants will revert to a drunken orgy or even a massacre. If society is doing well they will frolic like innocent shepherds and show compassion for one another.
Video links:
http://www.vimeo.com/8295096
http://www.vimeo.com/8629127
http://www.vimeo.com/8628282
