PEOPLE | SHEPHERDS Jed Berk's work explores ideas related to the transient point in nature where evolution might occur.“Transitional Species” is a body of networked sculptures that interact with their environment, an audience and each other. In this work he employes the use of emerging technologies to create technological biotopes of semi-domesticated, biologically inspired sculptures that live in network-based ecosystems. Presently Berk creates installations where an audience can actively engage and cohabit with multiple species thereby effecting their behaviors and the environment. The Use of technology creates a tangible link between the physical and virtual by giving form to invisible and intangible networks. An emotional response to the “species” cultivates new relationships. His over arching interest is in developing large, multiple biotopes placed globally and capable of communicating with each other simultaneously, transcending language and cultural barriers. Having received much media attention and acclaim from the art, science and technology communities, Berk's work has been included in media/robotic festivals, exhibitions and technology conferences through out the US, Europe and Asia. Berk presently is teaching workshops related to robotic species and is a Tactical Research Associate for the Near Future Laboratory.
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