Scanner aka Robin Rimbaud is a London-based very nomadic sound artist, composer and DJ
Hypersymposium, by Scanner, 1996
who works both as an individual artist and in collaboration with other musicians, choreographers, performance artists, writers and filmmakers.
SYDNEY
Scanner started his tour on 3 October with an extensive live-to-air interview with Triple J Radio. Something about the sexy collision of techno with surveillance technologies ensured a high degree of media interest in his work throughout the duration of his tour.
On 4 October, following a recording session at the ABC for the Radio National program Meridian, Scanner performed at The Lyric Theatre in a night of contemporary sound organised for Virogenesis by Zonar Recordings and EAR. This was a fantastic night attended by approximately 450 people. Australian performers included Size, Atone, OJ Buddy Love and DJ Zeitgeist. Using a common scanning device Scanner captured live phone conversations and mixed them with techno type sounds to create a haunting ephemeral sound event.
The Performance Space and Artspace hosted a performed talk by Scanner and a lecture by Matt Fuller on 5 October. This was attended by approximately 70 people,. Scanner’s presentation focussed on ‘the nature of Sound Polaroids – recordings of particular moments, spaces, actions … and Mapping the City with sound images.’ His talk was followed by a demonstration, again tapping local phone conversations.
Scanner recorded two radio programs for the ABC on 6 October – for The Listening Room and Radio Eye.
CANBERRA
Scanner travelled to Canberra on 9 October to present a performed talk at the Australian National University co-ordinated by the PhotoMedia Department of the School of Art. This was attended by a very enthusiastic audience of over 100 art and music students and local artists. Scanner drew comparisons with his sound work to the work of installation artist Christian Boltanski who had a major exhibition at the ANG at this time, focussing on the ephemeral nature of memory and fragments.
PERTH
The Perth Institute of Contemporary Art hosted agents Gomma and Scanner for a presentation at the Alexander Mackie Library on 12 October. This was very well attended, with an audience of 143 people. Scanner’s talk focussed on the value of dialogue, disseminating ideas and information, establishing networks and human hyperlinks, and challenging existing preconceptions of what constitutes “art” in the information age.
The crowd was very receptive, with many making last minute calls to friends to encourage them to attend a performance by Scanner in the evening at the Picabar. This event attracted a crowd of approximately 300, and included sessions by local DJs and artists.
MELBOURNE
Scanner’s intense Melbourne visit commenced on 16 October with a talk attended by 35 people at the McClelland Art Gallery co-ordinated by NETS Victoria.
On 18 October Scanner performed to a full house at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. This gig was co-ordinated by Contemporary Art and Technology.
On 19 October Scanner performed at the Melbourne Fringe Festival’s closing night party at Station Pier.
On 20 October Scanner performed at The Lounge in Melbourne and met local sound artists and DJs.
