Bubble Worlds

About the project

Bubble Worlds brings together computational art, soft robotics, and the experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic. This project has been a co-creation between computational artist Duncan Paterson, soft robotics researchers Azadeh Shariati and Helge Wurdemann and graduates of Code Your Future (CYF), a non-profit organisation that trains some of the most deprived members of society to become web developers.

The collaborators set out to explore the effects of the pandemic and multiple lockdowns on the lives of the CYF graduates, many of whom were potentially already isolated in society and could be impacted profoundly by the societal changes of the past two years. They wanted to explore how the skills of artists and researchers could collaboratively create work that tells stories and expresses feelings in new ways.

Through collaborative workshops, including Creative Coding, Audio/Poetry and Soft Robotics, the group chose to focus on the opportunities brought about through the Covid-19 lockdowns: to study, to apply oneself, to improve lives, get qualified, look for jobs, get fit, spend time outdoors. This is probably reflective of the CYF cohort - motivated people, in the process of learning and self-improving.

The project has led to the creation of a cocoon like structure that embodies these “bubble worlds” created for this self preservation. During the exhibition visitors will be invited to enter the bubble world, a space which breaths and mimics the calm and empathy of a natural space.

Information on the project and the development can be found on the Bubble Worlds website.

About the artists