03 May–30 May 1999 / Casco HQ
To most people science is both fascinating and frightening; generally the realm of academics and primarily discussed in an academic context.
Darkness at Noon, Uncontrolled Effects is the title of a series of seminars and debates, compiled and presented by Toby Webster, which takes place outside the structure of academia. Artificial intelligence, theories of consciousness and genetics – themes usually confined to the academic realm of science – are presented in the public arena of the city of Utrecht. At three different times there are seminars on subjects like the use of robots in daily life and the discrepancy between mind and body, and there is a performance by a scratch DJ. With this parallel form of presentation Webster suggests a broader interpretation of intelligence.
The project takes place at different locations in the city. The Open Forum TV Studio Effect is presented at the Ekko Cultural Center and is recorded as a TV programme by different cameras. Lectures are held on an evening pleasure boat trip through the canals, and at night the Utrecht Debating Society strolls through the city debating the subject of trust. The edited version of the Open Forum TV Studio Effect is presented at Casco.
Toby Webster is an artist, curator and co-director of The Modern Institute. His work researches the huge range of independent (cultural) production in music, art, film, design, science and technology. He creates opportunities for their production and distribution, but also provides a platform where the production of different fields may mix.
See: Toby Webster, Real Experiments #2
