Matthias Hurtl (@mmths): media artist and researcher working at the intersection of sound, electromagneticism, and telecommunication networks. His work is interdisciplinary and takes the form of audio-visual performances, sound installations, fixed media compositions, and electronic devices. In recent years knowledge transfer and demystifying radio technology have become a crucial part of his practice through the intersection of art and education.
Demystifying the Æther
The workshop « Demystifying the Æther » explores the world of electromagnetic waves and their omnipresence in our lives. By taking the visible infrastructure as a starting point, media artist Félicien Goguey and sound artist Matthias Hurtl will introduce the participants to the notion of Hertzian space and to the activities conducted within (broadcasting, telephony, aerospace, military, trading, and surveillance…) .
I covered my head as debris rained over me
The project, which started as solo residencies of three artists who were staying in Zagreb at the same time as part of the programs of Garage Kamba and Karas+Kvart, grew into the idea of co-creation and united presentation in public space by the name "I covered my head as debris rained over me".
Signal hunting bike rides
During the month of December, I invite you to join me on a trip through the radio spectrum. We are going to hunt for as well as make audible signals of ghost satellites and satellite radio pirates hijacking abandoned military satellites. During these collaborative bike rides, we try to sync up with the circadian rhythms of the satellites and explore the urban environment of Rotterdam to find the perfect spot to capture their radio signals.
Drowning in Æther
The lecture performance Drowning in Æther focuses on the audibility of satellite signals and invites the audience on a trip through the radio spectrum, to drown in the noise of the static, hunt the Pirates of the Ionosphere and the silent whispers of forgotten ghost satellites.