SM1701 Independent Research Blog

Name: Wong Ho Yin Student number: 59651245 Topic: The art of Cyborg What is a cyborg?      A cyborg (Cybernetic Organism) improves or extends natural abilities, mixing living parts with machines or electronics. Created in 1960 by Manfred Clynes and Nathan Kline, the word comes from “cybernetics” and “organism.” Unlike robots or androids, cyborgs keep a living body, gaining new functions through technology.      C yborgs mix biology and technology, such as mechanical arms or brain implants. These enhance strength, senses, and thinking. Cyborgs can be not only science fiction characters but also medical devices, like cochlear implants and artificial hearts (Image source: Wikimedia Commons. Serengeti Cyborg by Fanuel Leul is an example of afro futurism ) What artworks feature cyborgs?      C yborgs appear widely in popular culture from science fiction films to anime, such as Ghost in the Shell. They appear in experimental performances by artist...

Name: Wong Ho Yin Student ID: 59651245 Topic: The art of Simon Denny Who is Simon Denny?      S imon Denny is a New Zealand contemporary artist whose work critically explores the aesthetics and politics of technology. He creates multimedia installations that investigate how tech companies construct narratives around innovation, control, and societal transformation. His practice spans installation, sculpture, painting, print, and video. He also works with web-based media and emerging platforms, such as Non-Fungible Tokens .      D enny’s conceptual focus includes corporate storytelling, digital infrastr ucture, game-based systems, and the intersection of art and politics. He often reinterprets real-world tech artifacts to expose the ideologies embedded within contemporary tech culture, such as server racks, startup pitch decks, or board games. His artwork invites viewers to reflect on how technology mediates power, play, and participation in the digital...