Multispec. Somewhere in between pure data and an aesthetic interpretation of an accidental internet by-product. 

Multispec is a mixed media body of work comprised of UV-pigment photographic works on aluminium plates, UV-pigment photographic works on mirror back glass plates, Giclee photographic prints set in epoxy resin, and augmented reality sculptural works. 

This body of work emerged from an anomaly found on the Internet. Monochromatic information fields (generally in the form of 2-15kb sized thumbnails) are continually generated through misinterpreted, interpolated PDFs that are uploaded to Google Images. These thumbnails float within Google Images as an affix to these uploaded PDFs where they exist until they are periodically removed by Google once detected. 

Capturing and analysing these thumbnails in their short Internet lifespan has been the catalyst for these five different photographic and sculptural works. Choosing select material from this boundless catalogue of uploaded information and translating them into heavy physical works highlights this transformative space between the uploader and browser. Allowing these images to live outside their usual digital world, in occupying the physical gallery space, further analyses the intersections between the source, the platform, and the monitor – in this case, the translated image into a permanent metal form. 

Within this examining what effect this has on the information being transmitted, whether personal or public, and how it ultimately colours what is received and how it is interpreted. As well as examining data and information’s existence within this medium; revealing the unseen operations that enable us to utilize, and rely, on this platform.

Orson Heidrich ( Born Sydney, 1996) is a mixed media artist living and working out of Sydney. Having completed a BA of Design in Photography and Situated Media at UTS, Heidrich’s work spans between various platforms and mediums; from contemporary photography and moving image to modern, industrial sculpture and technical installation.

Using various mediums from diversified sources, Heidrich explores the compelling relationships between artist, artist-capital and industry. Where in Heidrich sees himself as a ‘complex manufacturer’ using various mediums from diversified sources, reflected in his practice through the sourcing, fabricating and manipulating of these processes. Heidrich embraces the collaboration and interdependence within these practical networks and recognises these processes as the art itself.

By recognising and utilising the contemporary space between industry connections and industrial mediums, Heidrich adopts these elements as a tool to examine the world around him; and ultimately form, fabricate and manipulate various components to produce mixed media, installation heavy artworks.