The Legacy of Bell Labs' E.A.T.

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Introduction
Origins and Early Impact
Immersive Multimedia Experience
Ongoing Influence and Revival
Key Projects and Approaches
Current Innovations at E.A.T.

The Legacy of Bell Labs' E.A.T.

Curated by

stephenhoban

4 min read

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The Experiments in Art and Technology (E.A.T.) program, originally launched at Bell Labs in 1967, continues to push the boundaries of artistic and technological innovation. This pioneering initiative, which brought together artists and engineers to create groundbreaking works, has left an enduring legacy that shapes contemporary collaborations between the creative and scientific communities. Today, E.A.T. remains at the forefront of interdisciplinary exploration, fostering projects that merge cutting-edge technologies with artistic vision to address complex human challenges and expand the possibilities of communication and expression.

Experiments in Art and Technology: Then and Now - New Museum

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Nokia Bell Labs and Leonardo Residency

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Nokia Bell Labs - NEW INC

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Origins and Early Impact

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The Experiments in Art and Technology (E.A.T.) program originated from a groundbreaking collaboration in 1966 called "9 Evenings: Theatre and Engineering." This series of performance art presentations brought together 10 New York artists and 30 engineers from Bell Telephone Laboratories to create innovative performances incorporating new technology

. The success of this event led to the official launch of E.A.T. in 1967 by engineers Billy Klüver and Fred Waldhauer, along with artists Robert Rauschenberg and Robert Whitman

. E.A.T.'s founding marked a significant shift in the relationship between art and technology. The program aimed to facilitate collaborations between artists and engineers, breaking down traditional barriers between these disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach was revolutionary for its time, as it sought to harness the creative potential of emerging technologies for artistic expression

. One of the earliest and most notable projects of E.A.T. was the Pepsi Pavilion at Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan. This immersive environment showcased cutting-edge technology and interactive art, demonstrating the program's ability to create large-scale, technologically sophisticated installations

. The pavilion featured a geodesic dome covered with an artificially generated fog, interactive sound systems, and programmable lighting, exemplifying the fusion of art and technology that E.A.T. sought to achieve

. E.A.T.'s early work also included pioneering explorations in computer art. At the program's press launch in 1967, Leon Harmon and Ken Knowlton's "Computer Nude (Studies in Perception)" was displayed, representing one of the earliest examples of computer-generated art

. This piece not only showcased the artistic potential of computers but also challenged traditional notions of artistic creation and perception. The program's impact extended beyond individual projects, influencing the broader art world and technological development. E.A.T. organized exhibitions, lectures, and demonstrations that introduced artists to new technologies and engineers to artistic perspectives. This cross-pollination of ideas led to innovations in both fields, with artists pushing the boundaries of what was technologically possible and engineers gaining new insights into creative applications of their work

. E.A.T.'s early initiatives also laid the groundwork for future developments in media art, interactive installations, and digital art forms. The program's emphasis on collaboration and experimentation set a precedent for interdisciplinary work that continues to influence contemporary art and technology practices

. By bringing together diverse expertise and fostering a culture of innovation, E.A.T. played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of art and technology integration in the late 20th century.

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Immersive Multimedia Experience

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The Pepsi Pavilion at Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan, was a groundbreaking collaboration between artists and engineers organized by Experiments in Art and Technology (E.A.T.). The pavilion featured a 120-foot diameter geodesic dome designed by architect Tadashi Doi, which housed an immersive multimedia experience

. Inside, visitors encountered a large spherical mirror that produced three-dimensional real images, creating an interactive environment that responded to movement and sound

. The exterior showcased Fujiko Nakaya's pioneering fog sculpture, the world's first of its kind

. E.A.T.'s goal was to create a "living responsive environment" that encouraged visitor participation and experimentation, rather than presenting a fixed narrative

. Despite its innovative approach, the project faced challenges, including disagreements between E.A.T. and Pepsi-Cola, ultimately leading to a shortened run of the original program

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Ongoing Influence and Revival

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The legacy of E.A.T. continues to shape contemporary art-tech collaborations and digital art forms. In recent years, Nokia Bell Labs revived the program to explore the fusion of art with emerging technologies like robotics, machine learning, and biometrics

. This revival has led to innovative projects such as Stephanie Dinkins' immersive experience "Secret Garden" and Lisa Park's biometric sensor-driven installation "Blooming"

. E.A.T.'s collaborative model inspires new generations of artists and technologists, fostering partnerships between creative institutions and tech companies. The program's influence extends beyond art, contributing to broader discussions on the role of technology in society and the potential for interdisciplinary innovation

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Key Projects and Approaches

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E.A.T.'s current initiatives continue to push the boundaries of art and technology integration. A key project is the Human Digital Orchestra™, which premiered in "Shannon Effect" at Nokia Bell Labs in 2016, exploring new forms of musical expression through digital interfaces

. The program also focuses on developing novel communication technologies, such as empathy and emotion transfer systems, aiming to break down barriers between people and enable higher-order modes of interaction

. E.A.T. collaborations often result in prototypes that are showcased in non-traditional venues, expanding the reach of these innovative works beyond conventional gallery spaces

. The program's approach emphasizes hands-on experimentation, interdisciplinary teamwork, and the practical application of emerging technologies to artistic concepts, fostering a unique environment where creative vision and technical expertise converge to address complex human challenges

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Current Innovations at E.A.T.

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The revived E.A.T. program at Nokia Bell Labs continues to foster groundbreaking collaborations, with recent projects exploring human communication, empathy, and emotion transfer using cutting-edge technologies. Notable initiatives include the E.A.T. Residency program, which pairs artists with Bell Labs engineers to develop innovative prototypes over the course of a year

. These collaborations have resulted in compelling installations such as Ed Atkins' "Get Life/Love's Work" at the New Museum, showcasing the program's commitment to pushing creative and technical boundaries

. Additionally, E.A.T. is exploring new business models and entrepreneurial approaches for artists to sustain their practice using emerging technologies, further expanding the role of artists within the tech industry

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What are some of the most surprising innovations to come out of E.A.T

How does E.A.T. select the artists and technologists to collaborate on projects

What role does empathy play in the current E.A.T. projects

How does E.A.T. address ethical considerations in their technological advancements

What are the long-term goals of E.A.T. in the next decade

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