MOOGZ is proud to present life.exe at Bodega Gallery, a multi media installation created by multidisciplinary artist Chloe Curry. life.exe explores the realm of existence currently attributed to ‘the paranormal’ but which could eventually be viewed as an area of science. 

Animations presented across projection and screen encase a central hologram. The work will also feature a score produced by composer Tomi Rose, alongside contributions from photographer Bex Day and a conversation with Oxford University DNA expert Rafael Carrascosa Marzo.

life.exe is a series of amorphous, living 3D animations, mirroring the essential processes that underpin and maintain all of nature. Beginning as a vine-like tangle of matter, the structure begins to grow and multiply itself as phosphorescent particles are released from the soil, imbuing the fronds with iridescent light.

This cycle is at once fantastical and familiar; an abstracted vision of the infinite transfers of energy that recur throughout the universe. The fronds might signify the evolution of ideas or hair unfurling underwater; the embers oxygen particles or drops of dew.

Chloe views the world through a scientific lens, which she expresses visually throughout her work. “The reason behind bizarre coincidences, or a decision that appears random at the time, but later proves critical; I find it helpful to consider that there may be a mappable scientific basis for these kinds of occurrence. As a Pagan, I believe that there is an untapped area of science within what we currently call the ‘Paranormal’. After all, many phenomena that we now understand to be based in natural science, were once seen as a kind of magic. I feel that the solutions to many of humanity’s most pressing problems lie within this realm.”

Mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot originated the term "fractal" (from the Latin "fractus", meaning irregular or fragmented) to describe visual expressions of recurring patterns or formulae. Examples of fractals abound throughout nature and are often hypnotically beautiful. From the aggregation of water molecules into intricately symmetrical snowflakes to the self-similarity observed in coral, wherein smaller polyps perfectly mirror the shape of the overall colony.

‘Randomness is not simply…the lack of pattern but…the creative ground from which pattern can emerge.’ Pattern and randomness are found in a productive dialectic, as systems achieve higher levels of complexity with the ‘infusion of noise’. - Katharine Hayle, Maria Poulaki.

In a sense, Chloe uses her worldview as a tool for a kind of radical depersonalisation. “I do think it’s worth remembering when life feels overwhelming, that these patterns recur throughout the universe. In some cases, infinitely. Nothing that happens to us is unique, but part of some larger incidental pattern. Situations often work themselves out for the better, even if the arc is not immediately visible.”

life.exe is co-curated by hacker MOOGZ, whose characteristically witty and, crucially, ethical approach to hacking is threaded throughout the exhibition.

“.exe” designates the most dangerous file type that can be shared by a hacker; it’s an executable software, which springs to life once interacted with. MOOGZ is curatorially double-clicking on life.exe within a series of 2024 shows at the axis of art and science, collaborating with scientific researchers to produce installations and films in the mysterious worlds of quantum computing, time travel, alien conspiracies and disinformation. The duo met through the Peckham-based Rising Sun Collective where Chloe is central to the building of a new housing co-operative.

life.exe will run from 16 June to 29 June at Bodega Gallery, 86 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0RN. Private view will be 15 June 7-10pm.

Notes to editors

Chloe Curry is an artist, designer and performer, based in London. She has worked with Alexander McQueen, SHOWstudio, DAZED, AnOther, Deborah Milner, the BBC and NTS. Chloe's work is highly influenced by scientific concepts, her Pagan roots and collaborating with communities, most recently working closely with the hacker group Beacon, bringing their visual identity to life. She is a member of South East London’s Rising Sun Collective, and a founder of the Rising Sun Housing Co-operative – working to secure permanently affordable housing and a community hub for the area, producing events and giving talks on the project across the globe.

MOOGZ is a London-based curator and cyber/sound artist whose practice interweaves 3D world-building, film and interactive installations on themes including existential risk, decolonisation, mental health, accepting death and the self. MOOGZ is an old-skool hacker from the dial-up era and uses data from ethically hacking government and nuclear systems to create vivid audiovisual experiences sharing hacker histories.

Tomi Rose is a musician and composer. He plays with sounds, images, texts, installation, and performance — making pieces for platforms including the Institute of Contemporary Arts, BBC Proms, Aldeburgh Festival, Cafe OTO, and NTS. He co-runs the label Slip — an artist-led imprint producing rogue hybrid musics and releasing work by Mica Levi, Oliver Coates, Yeah You, Object Collection, Jules Reidy, Bass Clef, Chaines, and others, as well as featuring on the BBC, NTS, Resonance FM, Berlin Community Radio, and Boiler Room, in The Wire, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and The Guardian. Most recently, Tomi played a sold-out show at Café OTO performing new music for strings and drills with Mica Levi and played a feral hour on NTS with artist Mark Leckey. Tomi is currently composing an exhibition soundtrack for an upcoming show at The Design Museum, opening later this year.