ALAVs 2.0 (Autonomous Light Air Vessels)

The Beall Center's "Emerging Artists" series for this year features Jed Berk. Jed and his collaborators have created a unique new species, the ALAV, using sensor technologies and computer algorithms. ALAVs (Autonomous Light Air Vessels) are intelligent, communicating, helium-filled blimps that motor through the gallery in search of companionship and food. When not on the prowl for food, they flock, constantly seeking each other and yearning for attention. They call, respond, "play" and "dance" in flock recognition. Gallery visitors can approach, play and interact with them and, similar to living creatures, the ALAVs' behavior changes and evolves in response.