Squidsoup is a UK-based international group of artists, researchers, technologists and designers working with digital and interactive media experiences. Our work combines physical and dynamic digital spaces with novel and intuitive forms of interaction to produce immersive, responsive and beguiling experiences.
We have exhibited across the globe at a broad range of events and locations, including Canary Wharf (2017, 2019), Salisbury Cathedral (2015, 2018), Burning Man (2018), Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew (2015, 2016, 2018), Sydney Opera House (2016), SIGGRAPH (USA 2001, 2010, 2016), Usina del Arte (Buenos Aires 2016), Wales Millenium Centre (2016), Adelaide Festival (Aus 2015), Visual Art Week (MEX 2015), Mapping Festival (CH 2013), TIFF (CA 2013), Sundance (USA 2011), Scopitone (FR 2011), Ars Electronica Festival and Museum (AU 2010), Glastonbury Music Festival (UK 2010), Kinetica Art Fair (UK 2010), , ISEA (JP 2002 and NI 2009), and Late at TATE Britain (UK 2006, 2007).
We also worked with Four Tet on a series of live concerts, including Alexandra Palace (UK, 2019), London, LA, New York and Sydney Opera House (2015-8).
Grants, project commissions and collaborations from (among others): Burning Man Arts (2019), Scottsdale Arts (2019), Innovate UK (2018-9 with University of Plymouth), SWCTN (2018,19 with UWE), Salisbury Cathedral (2015,18), Quays Culture (2014), Pervasive Media Studios (2012), Arts Council Norway (2012), Royal Society of New Zealand (2012), KORO (Public Art Norway – 2012), Royal Shakespeare Company (2010,12), Technology Strategy Board (2008, 2009), Arts Council England (2003,5), NESTA Futurelab (2002-7), Cornerhouse (2003) and Watershed Media Centre (2002,4,5,14).
Recognition includes include Prix Ars Electronica (Honorary Mention 2017), Aesthetica Prize (Finalist 2015), Lumen Prize (Finalist, 2015), Core77 Design Awards (Professional Notable Honoree 2013), Architecture Now Interior Awards (Finalist 2013), Prix File Lux (Honorary Mention 2010), a BAFTA nomination (2002) and an International EMMA (2000).
Squidsoup’s work can be experienced online at www.squidsoup.org, and in shared spaces, physical and virtual installations, games and software tools.
Squidsoup Members
Squidsoup is an open group of collaborators, whose main members are:
Anthony Rowe
Anthony has around 20 years experience in digital media art and interaction design; as an artist, designer, teacher and researcher. He was Research Fellow at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO) until late 2015, and has a PhD on ‘Immersion in Mixed Reality Space’, largely based on the work of Squidsoup. Prior to this he was Associate Professor, Interaction Design at AHO (2009-2012).
Anthony founded Squidsoup in 1997. He is also a founder of LUX, an international series of seminars and exhibitions exploring the rich creative intersections of light, space and interaction.
In a former existence, Anthony sailed single-handed across the Atlantic (1988).
Liam Birtles
Artist educator Liam Birtles (Creative Director) has been a collaborator in Squidsoup since 2006, he splits his time between Bournemouth University and Squidsoup. Squidsoup is the vehicle of his practice based research and creative expression.
Liam has overseen the development of Bloom and Audiowave, the concepts and technologies that underpin the Wave, Murmuration and Circle projects. He is currently writing up his PhD thesis “Liminal Multiplicities” on the materiality’s of Audiowave and Submergence.
Ongoing investigations include Audiowave as an immersive performance environment and the therapeutic effects of Submergence.
Liam has two daughters, both practicing artists.
Dan Pearson
Production Manager, Creative Technologist and tinkerer. Dan’s career over the last 10 years has spanned all areas of the live events industry giving him a wide ranging skillset attuned to new digital media art and site specific works. After studying in Liverpool in the early 2000’s he has worked on numerous biennials and light festivals around the world.
Dan joined Squidsoup in 2017 as production manager, with an additional remit to assist in developing behind-the-scenes technologies and systems.
Hannah Brady
Hannah joined Squidsoup in 2019 as Creative Producer. Bringing a specialism in delivering complex, multi-partnered projects she is responsible for producing a portfolio of thought provoking digital artworks, in parallel to supporting meaningful research and sustainable business development. Hannah has a background in the creation of immersive projects and has delivered large-scale works with the arts collective ‘Blast Theory’, the digital media centre ‘Watershed’ and the producing house ‘Situations’. Her strengths lie in enabling collaboration between technologist and artist in the production of complex, creative projects and strives to set the conditions for curious minds to dream, think and create.
Megan Spencer
Megan joined Squidsoup as Studio Manager in 2021 and brings with her a number of years of experience in all things admin, finance and operations. From architecture, to propeller making and immersive dining experiences, she has enjoyed working across many industries to help keep offices and studios alike in top working order.
Being back in a creative environment which she loves, Megan assists the team with ensuring that Squidsoup artworks continue to travel far and wide.
Rory Thomas-Lawton
As Production & Content Technician for Squidsoup Rory brings care and attention to both the practical production and the media content creation, specialising in supporting the implementation of creative ideas. Rory has 10 years experience of music production, including working on digital audio workstations for labels such as Brownswood Records as well as leading electronic music collectives to perform at festivals such as Boomtown and Womad. Rory also has experience designing and building low impact structures with associated electrical and water systems for off-grid living.
Squidsoup Associates
Chris Bennewith
Chris Bennewith is currently a Professor of Interactive Art and Design at Plymouth University. Before undertaking his role Head of the School of Art, Architecture and Design at Plymouth, he spent 8 years in New Zealand as Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Massey University’s College of Creative Arts.
Chris spent his early professional career working in the interactive media industry in London. He trained as a Graphic Designer and acts as the lead visual designer within Squidsoup, with a research interest in the development of a visual vocabulary that connects the digital and material worlds.
Gaz Bushell
Game Developer, Digital Artist and Lecturer. Gaz has led the programming on squidsoup projects for over 15 years. His background in sculpture is the seed of his interest in the tangibility of real and virtual space.
Gaz also runs his own indie game company, Fayju, developing games mainly for Apple’s iOS platform. Fayju’s games have been downloaded over 8 million times worldwide (and counting).
Ashley Wilkie
Ashley Wilkie is a motion graphic designer, projection and light artist, working on physical and screen based content with imagery and light.
Ashley’s work utilises creative techniques from motion graphics, infused with physical installation projects. This create a unique opportunity to take his productions off the screen and into the physical landscape focuses on projection mapping and interactive immersive mediums.
AJ Hammerton
In his roles as a Technical Manager & Production Technician, AJ Hammerton has been providing technical solutions for production companies and installations across site specific locations, festivals and theatres for over 10 years.
With Squidsoup he has provided the technical know how, skills and support to deliver some of their largest installations. From power systems and rigging to data, control and networking, his abilities have helped support the creation of Squidsoup’s vision.
© Squidsoup 2021