John Gerrard’s roots are in Tipperary, Ireland, where he grew up surrounded by the countryside. Reflecting on his early influences, he said, “I was born in Tipperary in the countryside, grew up on a small holding, not a farming family, but my sister now runs a wonderful farm called Brookfield Farm in Tipperary.”
This rural upbringing would later inform his deep connection to nature and environmental themes in his art.
Gerrard’s journey into the art world took a significant turn during his undergraduate studies at the Ruskin School, part of Oxford University. There, he gained access to computing and 3D scanning, which became pivotal in his artistic development.
“I became very committed to computing, 3D scanning, and game engines, and these elements have been informing my work since the mid-90s,” he explained.
The Concept of Simulations
Gerrard describes his works as “simulations,” which are 365-day solar simulations that explore themes of power and energy. One of his most notable works is “Western Flag,” a black smoke flag symbolizing the carbon age, commissioned by Channel 4 in the UK in 2017.
“Western Flag relates to carbon dioxide, nationhood, power, and energy,” Gerrard elaborates, underscoring his focus on environmental and political themes.
Creating virtual worlds requires a collaborative effort. Gerrard explains, “If you’re seeking to make virtual games as an artist, you are well advised to build a team. I typically have modellers, a producer, programmers, and animators working on these projects.”
This collaborative process results in rich, immersive pieces of art software.
WebGL and Public Art
A significant shift in Gerrard’s work came with the advent of WebGL, which allows virtual worlds to be rendered in browsers.
“This is a big shift for me because historically, I would put the works on the landscape. Now, with WebGL, they can be accessed and experienced by anyone, anywhere,” he says.
This accessibility aligns with Gerrard’s commitment to public art.
Crystalline Work: A Year-Long Performance
Gerrard’s latest project, “Crystalline Work,” leverages WebGL to create a live performance in the browser. Set in the Arctic, this work features a virtual robot equipped with an ice generation algorithm, producing 24 unique art pieces daily over a year.
“The robot performs 24 times a day, creating new works based on a generative art algorithm inspired by the snowflake,” Gerrard explains.
Each piece is available for purchase at $100, with 25% of proceeds supporting HomeTree, an Irish organization dedicated to restoring temperate rainforests.
“If you support a project where virtual ice is produced, you may produce some real ice on the poles,” Gerrard remarks, highlighting the ecological impact of his work.
The shift from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake in blockchain technology allowed Gerrard to explore tokenized artworks more deeply.
“Tokenization has valued the digital, enabling artists to thrive by making software,” he states.
This approach democratizes access to art and supports artists directly.
As Gerrard continues to explore and innovate, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the browser as a key cultural space.
“The browser is a key interface for public art, accessible to anyone on earth,” he asserts.
His work not only challenges traditional art forms but also addresses pressing environmental issues, making a significant impact in both the art and tech worlds.
To experience John Gerrard’s “Crystalline Work,” visit https://feralfile.com/exhibitions/crystalline-work-5ze and explore the intersection of art, technology, and environmental activism in a revolutionary new format.
