Austrian artist LIA is considered one of the pioneers of software and net art and has been producing works since 1995. Her practice spans across video, performance, software, installations, sculpture, projections and digital applications. The artist’s primary working material is code, which consists of LIA translating a concept into a formal written structure that then can be used to create a “machine” that generates real-time multimedia outputs. Since her concept is fluid - opposed to the formality of the written code that requires engineered precision - the translation process between machine and artist can be viewed like a conversation. The process is repeated until LIA is satisfied with the machine’s interpretation; at which point the generative framework, in which the artwork can develop, is considered finished.
LIA’s works combine traditions of drawing and painting with the aesthetics of digital images and algorithms, characterised by a minimalist quality and by an affinity with conceptual art. She focuses on the translation of certain experienced principles into abstract forms, movements and colours in order to allow the viewer to explore the same on a subconscious level.
LIA has exhibited internationally including Contemporary Istanbul, 2017; Akbank Sanat, Istanbul, 2017; Art Science Museum Singapur, 2016; Variation - Paris Media Art Fair, Paris, 2015; Short Cuts, CentrePasquart, Biel/Bienne, 2015; Poetic Codings, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, San Jose, 2014; If this is the answer, what is the question?, MAK - Austrian Museum of Applied Arts / Contemporary Art Vienna, 2014; Decode: Digital Design Sensations - Victoria & Albert Museum in collaboration with onedotzero, London 2009; Design Museum Holon, Israel, 2012, Garage Centre for Contemporary Culture, Moscow, 2011; X Freundschaftsfragen, Kunstverein Wolfsburg, Wolfsburg, 2011; Mind and Matter, Kuenstlerhaus Vienna, Vienna, 2010; Another Tomorrow: Young video art from the collection of the Neue Galerie am Landesmuseum Joanneum, Slought Foundation, Philadelphia, 2008; Ars Electronica Exhibition; Florence Biennale, Florence, 2007. The artist has also received various awards, including Outstanding Artist Award, Austria 2017; Digital Graffiti Curator’s Choice Award, 2014; Prix Ars Electronica, Honourable Mention, 2007; Diagonale Film Festival, Innovative Cinema, First Prize, 2006; and Prix Ars Electronica, Net Excellence / Award of Distinction, 2003.
LIA lives and works in Vienna.
