Diabolus ex Machina

The concept of "deus ex machina," originating from ancient Greek theater, refers to a situation where an unexpected and unlikely occurrence or character is introduced in the story line to solve a problem. A god emerges from the machine to fix things. Today we rely on technological solutions and digital systems that we believe will save us from destruction. Could the devil emerge from the machine instead of a god?

Diabolus ex Machina is an experimental animation about devils inhabiting technical systems. The work examines the unintended results of a digital photography process. The subject was a white digital screen. The work was created from details dug up from the white screen by capturing series of images from the screens with a camera. 

My artistic role models are the pioneers of avant-garde animation from the 1920s to the 1950s, who sometimes created their works without a camera or using a camera without electricity. My perspective is personal and linked to the way I work with analogue devices and my prejudices against digital images. Our wasteful consumption habits, the throw-away culture of electronic devices and the endless development of digital images have made me feel uncomfortable. During the work process, I have learned to tolerate the digital world. I have seen the devils living in a digital image, but also the beautiful colours and patterns, both sides of the digital soul.

Niina Suominen: script, camera, animation, editing, directing, production.
Sara Milazzo: sound.
Teemu Korpipää: sound mastering.
Production supported by: AVEK - The Promotion Centre for Audiovisual Culture and TAIKE - Arts Promotion Centre Finland.