Creating New Spaces: Interviews with artists redefining spaces through technology

In this podcast you will learn how Kit Webster moves between digital visualisation, physical prototyping and audiovisual composition to create large-scale media art installations.

Kit Webster is a Melbourne-based audiovisual artist whose practice combines projection, LED light, lasers, sound, sculpture and movement. His work has been presented internationally through galleries, festivals, concerts and commissioned projects.

In this conversation, Kit traces his move from projection mapping towards programmable physical light. He discusses Symbiotica, a permanent geometric LED sculpture commissioned for Imperial Doncaster, and explains how its three-dimensional structure was developed through visualisation, fabrication, custom electronics and...

In this podcast you will learn how early risk planning can help you protect the creative objective, work through uncertainty, and deliver ambitious media art in public spaces.

Emily O’Brien provides risk, safety, and crowd management services for cultural organisations, festivals, and arts projects. Before specialising in these areas, she worked for around 20 years as a production manager across arts festivals, contemporary dance, theatre, and unconventional creative projects.

In this conversation, Emily explains why she believes risk management should begin with the first project discussions rather than becoming a document produced shortly before opening. Sh...

In this podcast, Nigel Helyer explains how public artworks are designed for specific lifespans, how media installations can be maintained as their technologies age, and why contracts are central to the long-term maintenance of art in public spaces.

Nigel Helyer is an internationally acclaimed Australian sculptor and sound artist who creates public artworks, sound sculptures and interactive media installations. His interdisciplinary practice connects art, science and technology through projects involving environmental research, acoustic mapping, biological systems and spatial sound.

In this conversation, Nigel draws on decades of public art practice to question the idea of...

In this interview, Craig Walsh explores the creative process behind Monuments. Monuments is a long-running outdoor projection project that uses projected portraits on trees to create temporary public monuments. The project began at Woodford Folk Festival in 1993, when Craig discovered how a projected portrait could align with the form of a tree and become a sculptural presence in public space.

Craig Walsh is an Australian artist known for pioneering approaches to projection, installation, and site-responsive public art. Over more than 30 years, his work has animated trees, rivers, mountains, urban architecture, and live event environments across Australia and...

In this podcast you will learn how Georgie Pinn designs interactive media artworks for public space. You’ll hear how Georgie builds participation, accessibility, and emotional impact. This interview is part of our series that focuses on media artworks in public space. In this interview, Georgie Pinn explores the creative process behind Echo, an interactive work that has evolved across multiple public-facing iterations, from an intimate one-on-one booth experience to a large-scale outdoor presentation.

Georgie describes Echo as an "empathy engine." It is a guided encounter where a stranger’s story is experienced through a face transformation that...

In this conversation, we hear how Betty Sargeant develops site-led installations through listening, prototyping, and stakeholder collaboration. We also discuss why delivery skills matter as much as ideas when working in public space. This interview is part of our series that focuses on media artworks in public space.

Betty shares the creative process behind The Fauxrest and what it takes to make media art that can survive real-world conditions, including weather, public interpretation, and the layered expectations of councils, communities, and collaborators.

AI sits in the background of this conversation as a conceptual provocation. Betty...

In this podcast you will learn how sound-led public artworks can turn everyday places into shared, playable environments.  In this interview Michael Baker is the Sound Director at Daily tous les jours we explore some of the thinking behind Daily Tous Les Jours’ public artworks.  Daily tous les jours is known for large-scale participatory works such as Musical Swings, as well as their book Strangers Need Strange Moments Together, which reflects on designing interaction in public space. This interview is the first in a series that focuses on media art works in public space.    

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In this podcast you will learn how media artists stay with uncertainty, make deliberate choices with technology, and build work through collaboration—with people, place, ecology, and time.

This is a 2025 compilation episode, bringing together the advice I ask for at the end of every conversation on Creating New Spaces. Across the year, artists returned to a few shared concerns: how to keep going when meaning arrives slowly, how to test and refine work without being led by the tools, and how installation practice is shaped by teams, trust, and the systems around us.

Listen to...

In this podcast you will learn how media artists stay with uncertainty, make deliberate choices with technology, and build work through collaboration—with people, place, ecology, and time.

This is a 2025 compilation episode, bringing together the advice I ask for at the end of every conversation on Creating New Spaces. Across the year, artists returned to a few shared concerns: how to keep going when meaning arrives slowly, how to test and refine work without being led by the tools, and how installation practice is shaped by teams, trust, and the systems around us.

Listen to...

In this podcast you will learn how artists Alex Moss and Maggie May Jeffries developed a shared creative process that bridges traditional painting and interactive media.

In this interview, Alex Moss and Maggie Jeffries discuss the creative process behind The Weather at midnight. The exhibition combines painting, projection, and real-time interaction to create a shifting environment of light and movement. Through subtle digital overlays and live painting, static canvases become dynamic, evolving works that change with audience presence. The exhibition was presented at Moonah Arts Centre.

Alex Moss is a Lutruwita/Tasmanian-based media artist whose...

In this podcast you will learn why curiosity matters more than technical skill.  

In this interview, Matthew Ragan explores coding as a practice of sculpting and rehearsal, showing how collaboration with technology leads to more fluid and sustainable creative outcomes.Matthew Ragan is a California-based creative technologist, educator, and co-founder of SudoMagic. He has an MFA in interdisciplinary digital media and performance. His TouchDesigner tutorials are used by creatives worldwide.

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In this podcast, discover how physical prototyping, water systems, and shifting sound and light bring Georgie Friedman’s installations to life.

In this interview, Georgie Friedman explores the creative process behind Dissolution, an immersive installation blending spatial sound, projection-mapped video and dripping water to evoke a dark, cave-like stillness. The work was installed at Gallery A2, part of Artisans Asylum, a collaborative makerspace in Boston.

Georgie is a Boston-based interdisciplinary media artist and educator. Her background in film, sculpture and digital media informs a practice rooted in physical experimentation, environmental phenomena and spatial design.

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In this podcast, you’ll learn how Johan F. Karlsson uses observation, intuition, and the concept of ma to shape site-specific installations that reveal subtle changes in space and time.

In this interview, Johan F. Karlsson talks about the creative process behind Against the day and The space that remains. The installations are part of the exhibition Forever is nothing, developed during Johan’s residency at Space Department, a Japanese residency program that supports architecture and spatial-based art practices.

Johan F. Karlsson is a Swedish artist whose work investigates time, space, and ephemeral processes. His prac...

In this podcast, you’ll learn how Johan F. Karlsson uses observation, intuition, and the concept of ma to shape site-specific installations that reveal subtle changes in space and time.

In this interview, Johan F. Karlsson explores the creative process behind Against the Day. Against the Day is a dual-channel video installation that surrounds audiences with a streak of sunlight and its recorded echo, revealing how time and perception unfold through subtle spatial shifts. The installation is part of the exhibition Forever Is Nothing, developed during Johan’s residency at Space Department—a Japanese artist residency house focuse...

What does it mean to make art for a forest—not just about it? Keith Armstrong explores this question through his long-term project Forest Art Intelligence, which blends ecological recovery with creative experimentation.

Forest Art Intelligence is a project that regenerates a cleared block of land into a native forest. Developed in partnership with the Samford Ecological Research Facility (SERF) and the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), the project will be supported in 2024 through an ANAT Synapse Residency.

Keith’s work challenges how we engage with ecological systems—inviting participation, reflection, and action.

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In this podcast, you will learn how Lacunae, an interactive installation by Tasmanian artist collective Soma Lumia, has evolved through multiple iterations. Lacunae is an interactive installation that enables people to dance with others in different locations through projected silhouettes and sound.

In this conversation, Darryl Rogers and Troy Merritt from Soma Lumia share the journey of Lacunae. The project was born during COVID-19 to rethink how technology shapes human connection. It was originally designed for the Mona Foma festival as events began to re-open after the COVID-19 lockdowns. Since then, it has evolved, layering live and...

What happens when an artwork is shaped by the unpredictability of public space? 

In this interview Ariana Gerstein and Monteith McCollum discuss What We Bring, an outdoor installation that extends Ariana’s larger documentary project exploring migration, personal history, and overlooked traces of the past. While filming in Athens, Greece, she was drawn to a clothesline hanging in an old neighborhood—a simple yet powerful marker of everyday life. The street, surrounded by century-old markets and remnants of war, embodied layers of history intertwined with personal and familial narratives. This imagery became the foundation of What We Bring...

In this podcast, you will learn how Rita Eperjesi is rethinking the way creative coding is taught with her project, DECODE: A Friendly Introduction to Creative Coding through Analog Techniques.  Rita Eperjesi is a Berlin-based Hungarian artist and creative technologist dedicated to merging art and technology through innovative projects, international exhibitions, and educational initiatives. During the conversation, Rita Eperjesi shares her innovative approach to creative coding, emphasising the use of analog techniques like drawing and note-taking to make learning more accessible.

Her work aims to demystify coding for beginners by addressing common pain points such as error m...

In this interview, learn how to create immersive atmospheres that evoke self-reflection and emotional engagement in audiences.

This conversation features Matt Warren, an artist, musician, and educator based in Nipaluna/Hobart, whose work has been exhibited internationally in Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the USA, and across Australia. 

Matt shares insights into the creative and conceptual processes behind Secular Ritual (selfie), his recent installation at Sawtooth Gallery in Launceston.

Drawing from ancient practices of using reflective surfaces and water for introspection, Matt’s work reimagines these rituals in a contemporary context. Incorporating everyday objects lik...

In this interview, new media artist Yizhen Li shares the creative process behind Lava’s Lament, an immersive installation exhibited at Gray Area in San Francisco in early 2024 as part of Gray Area’s Cultural Incubator. Yizhen’s work blends soft materials, light, and projections to create a space that explores themes of femininity, memory, and the natural cycles that connect us to the environment.

Originally from Sichuan, China, Yizhen draws from traditional cultural elements and combines them with contemporary digital practices to create dynamic, multisensory experiences. Lava’s Lament reflects this approach, using a cone-shaped fabric structur...

In this interview, artist Nigel Helyer shares the creative and technical processes behind BioSphere | DataSphere, a series of works based on environmental data from the Tasman Fracture Marine Park.  The project is a collaborative research effort involving the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, the Australian Antarctic Division, and CSIRO. Based in Australia, Nigel is an internationally renowned sculptor and sound artist known for creating large-scale sound sculptures, environmental public artworks, and media installations that explore the intersection of poetics and technics.

Working closely with scientists, Nigel transformed complex datasets—like sea temperatures, underwater sounds, and DNA seq...

In this interview, artist Bego M. Santiago discusses the creative process behind her series Cosmos: All That is Ordered. Cosmos: All That is Ordered is a series of installations that blends sacred geometry, science, and spirituality, creating hypnotic and introspective experiences.

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In this interview, Andrey Shibanov and Khristina Ots from SPLACES.STUDIO talk about the creative and technical processes behind the interactive sculpture "Megalith",  which transforms a stone into an immersive, responsive soundscape.

SPLACES.STUDIO brings together artists, engineers, and scientists to collaborate on projects that combine light, sound, and natural elements, aiming to create sustainable, nature-inspired solutions. With a focus on innovation and environmental responsibility, their interdisciplinary approach leads to artworks that challenge traditional boundaries and encourage viewers to rethink their relationship with the natural world.

Megalith invites participants to engage with a large stone t...

Explore the intricate process of crafting immersive digital spaces with Simon Burgin. Simon Burgin creates immersive artworks and interactive installations featured in prominent venues such as The Lume in Melbourne and the National Museum of Australia. In this episode, Simon shares insights into his project, “Natures Store", an immersive moving image piece created using AI-aided photogrammetry to reimagine natural environments. "Natures Store" was featured as part of Immerse 2024, an event that breaks away from the traditional art gallery setting to share art in unexpected places across Knox, Melbourne, and Australia. 

Listen to this podcast to learn about how...

Ever wondered about the environmental impact of your digital footprint? In this interview, Ali Phi discusses the creative process behind 'TWh (terawatt hours)'. 'TWh' is an installation that blends web technologies to explore the environmental impact of digital technologies. The installation was commissioned by the New Now Festival and exhibited at the Mixing Plant in Zollverein, an industrial coal mine complex and UNESCO heritage site in Essen, Germany.

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In this interview Joel Zika talks about the creative process behind “Valley of a Thousand Plants”. “Valley of a Thousand Plants" is an immersive installation that surrounds audiences with hyper-real animated plant forms that react to visitors' proximity. The installation is hosted at the Cube at the Multi-Arts Pavilion in Lake Macquarie, NSW, a 360-degree immersive digital projection space.

Joel Zika is a multimedia artist and educator currently teaching at Kent State University. He has a background in VR projects, documentaries, interactive animations, and public installations. During the interview Joel briefly discusses his PhD research on dark rides...

Amalie Solande from Vertigo, a Copenhagen-based audiovisual artist collective, discusses their outdoor light installation, Siro, in this episode. The installation features a circle of large light tubes that change colour when approached by the audience, creating a magical and immersive experience. Amalie also shares insights into the collaborative process at Vertigo and the challenges they faced in creating the installation. Tune in to learn more about their unique approach to blending nature and technology in their art.

Highlights

(1:28) Interactive light installation transforms with audience proximity

(4:09) Unveiling the magic of fairy...

This episode is an interview with artists Vicky Browne and Simon Reece about their innovative work, "Motherboard." Merging ceramics with technology, this piece invites viewers to experience interactive sculptures that emit varying tonal frequencies as they hold the objects. The piece was developed for a show called “Underground” that was held at the Blue Mountains Cultural centre from late 2023 to early 2024.   

Vicky Browne, an interdisciplinary artist with a background in sculpture, and Simon Reece, a ceramic artist, both hail from the Blue Mountains, Australia.  The interview explores the audience’s response to the interaction, and the process of develop...

In this interview Theresa Schubert a Berlin-based artist discusses her “Glacier trilogy”, a three-piece work that explores the transformation of glaciers in the face of climate change.  The Glacier trilogy, which is the outcome from S+T+ARTS 4 WATER artist residency.    The interview explores the creative processes behind the making of the trilogy, including working with generative AI and with a glassblower.

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Camila Colussi, a Chilean artist based in London, discusses her sound-light interactive installation "Tectonic Lingering: A microPolitics of Time."The piece explores the concept of time and the acceleration of technology, inviting viewers to pause and reflect. The installation features an LED light display that responds to real-time earthquake data from around the world as well as an interactive sound component that tells stories about earthquakes and time. The interview explores experiences of time, place, and Camila’s process.

Highlights

(0:01:39) Camila explains the concept of "Tectonic lingering" and how it relates to he...

Seph Li discusses the generative installation called "Phase". The piece combines interaction and computational logic to create a unique and immersive experience for participants. Seph merges algorithms from the Wolfram Physics Project with traditional Chinese ink painting simulations, creating an interactive universe where visitors' actions influence the artwork's evolution. Some of the other things discussed include a simple taxonomy of different types of interactions, coding, and what Seph is currently working on.

Highlights

(0:02:14) Experience of the interactive piece "Phase'" and its abstractness

(0:04:13) The tension between providing instructions and allowing discovery in interactive installations<...

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Asaco and Toyoshi Morioka of SPEKTRA discuss the creation of 'Vectorize(Prototype)' an audiovisual installation prototype in a performing arts theatre. SPEKTRA, based in Kyoto, is a group known for its experimental and expressive work. Their primary focus is on installations involving lights and audio. 'Vectorize(Prototype)' represents a shift, using flat beam lights in a performance context rather than as an installation. The interview explores Speckra’s approach to prototyping, which includes 3D modelling and simulations in TouchDesigner. Additionally, the collective’s dynamic team structure and other themes are explored. Highlights

(0:00:00) Creating something we’re int...

Harvey Moon from Spectra Studio discusses creating 'Zephyr,' an interactive origami object that responds to visitors' breath and movement. Spectra Studio is a multidisciplinary collective based in Los Angeles. They create multi-sensory experiences meant to be shared. They work on experimental projects like 'Zephyr' and also provide services to clients. In the interview, we explore the Spectra Studio process and uncover some insightful reflections on how they might have approached prototyping differently in this project. We examine the nature of the interactions in the piece and how they contribute to shared experiences for the viewers. We also discuss...

In this interview, Nora Gibson discusses her interactive installation called 'the dream'. Participants in 'the dream' wear EEG headsets to animate a particle system that is projected onto translucent screens in a room bathed in pale blue light. Nora’s background is in contemporary ballet and choreography. During the conversation some of the topics that are explored are interactive works as a way of  providing feedback to participants,  the interconnectedness between audience members, as well as how interactive works are systems for people to experience. 'the dream' has recently been featured in Ars Electronica.  

Highli...

In this interview, Christian Skjødt Hasselstrøm is talking about the creation of a site-specific installation called The Receiver. His works explore our sensory perception and the limitations of our senses. His pieces are often site-specific.

Highlights 

(0:00:00) Prototyping site-specific work 

(0:00:51 ) Description of the "The Receiver" installation and its sensory experience 

(0:03:12)  How the space for the installation was chosen 

(0:06:25)  The process of levelling up and down the frequencies in the silo 

(0:07:08)  Collaboration with Bang Olufsen

(0:09:18)  Challenges of planning and prototyping the installation 

(0:11:4...

In this interview Michael Sedbon is talking about the making of Cryptographic Beings installation. The conversation explores the difference between working with biology and engineered digital technology, prototyping and learning. 

Highlights

(0:00:00) The control you have over biology

(0:01:08) Introduction to the Crypto Being installation

(0:02:51) The slow movement of the algae in the installation

(0:04:35) The idea for the piece and the behaviour of the algae

(0:06:23) Michael shifting perceptions through studying life science

(0:08:26) The process of creating the installation

(0:11:59) The challenges of working w...

In this interview Daniele Hopkins and Kyle Duffield are talking about the making of a physical game called Schwister. The conversation explores the cross over between branding work  and experimental work, constraints and prototyping. 

Chapters

(0:00:00) Play testing

(0:01:21) Introduction to the game Schwister and its experience for players.

(0:02:24) The idea for Schwister came from a commission for Absolut Vodka.

(0:04:02)The process of exploring ideas and tinkering with the game.

(0:05:49) The collaboration process and the use of iPad prototypes.

(0:08:09) Building a prototype on the iPad using Max MS...

In this interview Louise Devenish and Stuart James are talking about making 'Alluvial Gold,’ which exists both as an art installation and as a concert performance. It’s created by Louise Devenish and percussionist, visual artist Erin Coates and composer Stuart James. Erin was not available to join in the conversation. The interview explores collaboration and the challenges of remote collaboration.  

Highlights 

(0:00:00) Making creative collaboration work 

(0:02:01) Explanation of Alluvial Gold and its themes

(0:05:52) Integration of themes into the sound and visuals

(0:09:46) The collaborative process and challenges of remot...