Exploring Noise as Information

My art practice is based on the study of machines. Instead of focusing on how machines usually work, I discover and explore the noise of machines – both visually and aurally. In my work, I use a photocopier to scan and print the same image repeatedly, which results in the original image becoming distorted and abstracted with noise. This work was initially influenced by the distorted homework paper handouts I regularly received at the school in China as a child – many of which were nearly illegible. In my practice, I explore the idea of noise as information. To help provide background to this work, I discuss three main aspects: glitch art, the actor-network theory, and how it connects to my work. Through my studio projects I have explored how noise, which is often viewed as an unwanted by product, can be used as the main content of a piece of work. Each form of communication technology has its own types of noise, which has its own aesthetic and style – and my hope is that my projects highlight the beauty and texture of noise that is usually only considered in a negative way.