An autopoietic audio system, performing an endless dance while playing an ever-changing real-time composition.
 

Stefan Doepner works mainly in the field of technology-based art, robotics and sound. His work focuses on the artistic examination of today's use, reception and rules of technology. In order to analyze and understand contemporary systems and techniques - especially technology as a system that significantly shapes our everyday lives - he adopts the method of reinvention. The aim is to deconstruct and redesign contemporary systems and techniques that shape our everyday lives.

In the case of SwarmOfSpeakers - The Unconscious Orchestra, an autopoietic audio system that performs an endless dance while playing a constantly changing real-time composition, Stefan Doepner subtly, playfully and critically addresses the ideal of a well-functioning and controlled technological system whose behavior, however, can never be fully known or predicted.

The work consists of several robotic loudspeakers, one of which is used as a microphone. The movements of the loudspeakers are sound-controlled:

The sound is analyzed by a microphone; the results are classified and used as coordinates for the motors. The sound input is filtered by an audio program and output to the loudspeakers. This creates a kind of double feedback situation: the sound generates the movement and the movement of the loudspeakers and microphone in turn generates audio feedback, which is repeatedly interrupted by the coordinates or loudspeaker movements generated from this.

Just as a swarm of animals implies a group movement according to certain basic rules that ensure coordinated activity, the SwarmOfSpeakers embodies (computer-)controlled and coordinated (quasi “conscious”) behavior.

However, the “unconscious” part of the orchestra indicates that even in technology there is always a certain degree of unpredictability.