Andy Gracie’s work is concerned with information systems contained within living organisms and ecosystems and how they may be accessed and processed through the use of technology. His work reflects on the ideas of Umwelt and biosemiotics developed by von Uexkull and Seboek as it aims to explore how signs, symbols and signifiers may form a common link between artificial and natural intelligences. He is interested in using organisms as data processing systems in an effort to extract meaning and to examine how forms of robotic entity can become immersed in living networks. This interest extends to examining how organic and inorganic systems can be wired together through various channels, where communication and presence are realised by agency.
His work has always been linked to scientific practice as both contextual and methodological reference, and as subject of critique. The natural sciences in general have formed the basis of this influence with a special emphasis on life sciences and biotechnology. More recently this has begun to express itself through the relatively new science of astrobiology and its concomitant theories on the very origins, constitution and boundaries of life. Astrobiology asks not only how life appeared in the first place, but where it is going and how big or small are the set of conditions that can sustain it.
The majority of Gracie’s work is realised in the form of installation, often employing robotics, custom electronics, sound and video alongside biological processes. While following rigorous scientific methodologies and maintaining a strong critical viewpoint his work maintains a faithfulness to traditional artistic principles such as metaphor, ambiguity and a strong sense of wonder.