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"Certain
biological models within sterile conditions are unable to
survive. In such instances, the usual solution is that scientists
mix random elements - 'a little noise' - into the system.
What might this mysterious noise be? What allows these spontaneous
errors to restore the life functions of the models?
My
piece, which is the first in a longer series of projects,
is focused around this dilemma. I chose a classic model
as the experimental example. Neumann's cell programs are
population models. Due to a few cleverly selected regulations,
they are able to function for several generations, yet after
a certain period of time they freeze, and their evolutional
development comes to a halt. The cell programs I inserted
into my work can be awoken only when the visitor moves close
to them, since it is the noise-generating presence of the
spectator that makes the cell move.
The
rules that govern the cell program I used were formulated
by the scientist John Conway, who called it the "life-game".
They include the following: the vital space is a network
of squares. In each of its compartments only one living
entity can survive. Each cell is surrounded by eight neighbouring
compartments. When within one generation, one cell has two
or three living neighbours, the cell will continue to the
next generation. Otherwise the cell dies. If an empty compartment
has exactly three living cell neighbours, a new cell is
born there. "
Biography : Gábor Gyorfi was born in 1970 in Budapest,
Hungary where he lives and works. He gratuated from the
Painting and the Intermedia Departements at the Hungarian
Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest, he attended as well the
Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver.
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