“We are the universe experiencing itself.” Autopoiesis (2017-2018) is a poetic multimedia video performance for a musician and a dancer, electroluminescent wires, and a KORG electribe 2 Synthesizer Groovebox playing electronic live music in front of a gigantic video projection. Created by Jay Data and Anja Sputnik, Autopoiesis is a work that shows the fascinating story of existence and the evolution of life and conciousness into ever more complex forms of self-organization and reliable self-reproduction (see autopoiesis concept by Maturana/Varela). It is also a document of the scientific and spiritual discussions between the two authors about the evolution of life and matter, biology, astrophysics and the beginning of the universe. It is the creative result of watching countless documentaries about these topics. It is a poetic attempt of science communication.

The piece consists of five acts, each presenting a phase of the cosmic evolution: matter, life, awareness, civilization and space exploration. The performers merge with the epic visuals illuminating the darkness and becoming one with the screen. The visuals are enhanced by the semi-improvised dance choreography by Anja and the funky space electro soundtrack that was composed for the video and is performed live by the “funky futurist” Jay Data (inspired by Electro acts as Kraftwerk, Cybotron, Anthony Rother). Jay is pushing buttons and turning knobs of his electribe synthesizer groovebox creating uplifting rhythms and melodies as Anja responds to the music with her intricate dance moves. A poetic and powerful gesamtkunstwerk taking the viewer onto a fascinating cosmic trip, inspired by the multimedia performances of Kraftwerk and Laurie Anderson. Autopoiesis was performed in 2018 at the fünfzehnminuten festival for theatrical performance, music and video at the studiobühne theatre Cologne, Germany. It is part a series with the collective’s other shows: DATA and NBIC.