Vladimir Grafov (RU)
Vladimir Grafov: Born in Russia in 1964
Studied physics and mathematics in Moscow (technical university, finished in 1987), worked as junior scientist in plasma research lab of Academy of Sciences in Moscow.
In the 1980’s was involved with Russian underground avant-garde movement, took part in organizing alternative events in basements and private apartments.
Moved to Netherlands in 1989 and became actively involved in Amsterdam art scene. Worked with Rabotnik TV (series of monthly programs about Russian cultural scene), Radio100 (pirate live music broadcasts, collaboration with John Duncan), NL
Centrum (various art events). Participated in the production of GODDODIN by Brith Goth and Test Department and other projects with Stichting Mickery.
Between 1990 and 1993, collaborated with different Dutch and international artists in projects involving advanced technical skills, such as Delusions of Self-Immolation by Eric Hobijn, new music instrument development at STEIM and other projects.
Between 1993 and 1996, founder and active member of art group Laboratories of Art Technologies (LAT). Works developed by LAT centered on use of advanced technologies that became available to creative groups and individuals after the fall of Iron Curtain and subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union. Works developed by LAT were shown in Arti en Amicitae, Royal Dutch Conservatory (Collaboration with Frans Evers and Dick Rijmakers), V2 (DEAF’96, collaboration with Zbigniew Karkowsky,
Atau Tanaka and Edwin van der Heide) and many other venues. Focus of the projects work was on use of advanced sensor- and projection technologies, including higherend lasers in installation, performances and theatre. Lasers were engaged in Holland Festival production “The Fall of Mussolini” by Dick Rijmakers in 1995. Between 1997 and 2001, occasionally collaborated with Edwin van der Heide to
create different artworks, including LSP (Laser Sound Projector).
Between 1996 and 2003, co-founder and active member of London-based group Raylab. Projects involved large outdoor laser shows, multimedia installations and interactive works.
Between 2004 and 2008, cofounder and active member of London-based art group Hivenetworks, funded by Arts Council of England. Work centered on paradigm of free networks, user-generated content and “Internet of Things”. Collaborations included
hacker communities in Europe and further, including consume.net in London and CLab in Berlin. Live performances and advanced large-scale outdoor mesh-based
content networks activities were part different events, including the opening of the art centre in Dortmund and DEAF’07 Festival in Rotterdam. Between 2010 and 2012, was involved as consultant in different art projects, including Labyrinth Psychotica, works by Synergetica Lab and others. Between 2012 and 2014, co-founder and active member of Amsterdam-based art group Magic Tools, with focus on fusion between art and technology. Works developed by Magic Tools were performed and shown in different venues, including TecArt 2014 and GOGBOT 2014.
From December 2014 till present: works as independent artist.