404.zero: Crafting Generative Art through Code, Sound and Improvisation

The Installation Art Podcast

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In episode 23 of The Installation Art Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant duo behind 404.zero, Kristina and Alex. Renowned for their groundbreaking work at the intersection of visuals, sound, and technology, 404.zero crafts mesmerizing large-scale installations and modular soundscapes that explore big philosophical questions around death, the unknown, and the cosmos.

From self-taught programming to custom-built tools and hardware, 404.zero push the boundaries of what’s possible in audio-visual art. In our conversation, they share their journey, creative process, and insights into the challenges and joys of working on ambitious international projects.

We also discuss:

• Their successful venture into modular music production.

• How the self-taught duo's use of modular synthesizers has redefined their approach to art-making.

• From remote installations to visa issues, Kristina and Alex share some of the logistical hurdles they have been facing.

• Their belief that installations should invite profound personal reflection and interaction.

00:00 Introduction and Quick Questions

01:24 Early Influences and Career Beginnings

06:57 Meeting and Collaborating

09:01 First Major Projects

20:41 Innovative Installations and Techniques

31:46 Installation in Unique Venues

33:05 Creating Site-Specific Soundscapes

34:11 Challenges and Outsourcing

34:44 Audience Interaction and Impact

48:00 Visa Issues and Future Aspirations

404.zero’s work has been showcased at major festivals like Dark Mofo, MUTEK, GAMMA and more. Learn more about their projects on their website: https://www.404zero.com/ & check out the visuals on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@404zero and follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/404.zero

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Also mentioned in this episode:

Mariinsky Theater: https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/

Multimedia Art Museum (MAMM): https://mamm-mdf.ru/en/

Touchdesigner: https://derivative.ca/ | https://www.instagram.com/TouchDesigner/

Moscow Planetarium: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Planetarium

Xology: https://www.xology.com/hardware-design

Kinect tracking: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinect

Greenhouse Studios: https://www.greenhouse.is/ | https://www.instagram.com/greenhouse.studios/

Bedroom Community: https://bedroomcommunity.net/ | https://www.instagram.com/bedroom_community/

Dark Mofo: https://darkmofo.net.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/dark_mofo

MONA: https://mona.net.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/monamuseum/

Art Gallery of NSW: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/ | https://www.instagram.com/artgalleryofnsw/

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Your host is Anastasia Parmson: www.anastasiaparmson.art | https://www.instagram.com/anastasiaparmson.art/

🗣️ Join the conversation in our Linkedin group The Installation Art Society, a space for conversations about installation art and a platform for practitioners to share insights, discuss technical aspects, and exchange behind-the-scenes stories:

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Mentioned in this episode:

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