~ Cyane Rollins Tornatzky ~

bio

Cyane Rollins Tornatzky
Bio/Artist Statement
I am an interdisciplinary artist whose work takes a critical look at the twin realms of science and technology. Ultimately, I am interested in how rapid technological and scientific advances impact the individual. How does my scientific and technological data stack up to represent me and/or my environs to the world at large? Is there a way for me to empower myself and to take control of this data representation? My projects explore issues surrounding identity and the effects of external forces on how we define and know ourselves. Using my body as source material for performative role-playing and scientific experiment, my artwork explores the interplay of gender, race, and heritage by collapsing cultural stereotypes and meta-histories into my own personal experience. Taking advantage of a multiplicity of materials and methods for personal experimentation and artistic expression, my work uses video, animation tools, audio, digital interactivity and can even incorporate basic drawing skills. I feel that by sticking closely to my very personal themes I am able to experiment more widely with what interdisciplinary methods I use to investigate my subject matter. In addition to my individual work, my artistic practice involves collaboration with several groups. My interest in collaborative work springs from feminist foundations. Debunking the myth of the "artist as a solo genius" the joyful interplay of collaboration allows me to create works that are not just mine, not just theirs but new entities, creations that could not have existed outside of a willingness to share ideas, time and credit with others.