What does SRL mean in RESEARCH

The founders of SRL, Mark Pauline, Eric Werner and Mike Fox, were inspired by the avant-garde performance art movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s. They sought to create a unique form of radical spectacle, one in which machines took the starring role instead of human performers.

The activities involve manipulating machines with motors and other tools to create intense multimedia spectacles that incorporate sound, light and often fire. SRL performances also often require audience participation to help create a more interactive experience.

Response to SRL performances has been varied; some viewers find them provocative and subversive while others have considered them dangerous or controversial due to their explicit nature. Despite this mixed reaction, SRL has achieved a strong following among artists who appreciate its radical aesthetic approach.

In addition to their hometown of San Francisco, California where they are based, SRL has performed in numerous cities around the world including London; Tokyo; Montreal; Austin; Vancouver; Minneapolis; Seattle and many more locations both nationally and internationally.

According to SRL founder Mark Pauline “The primary message [of Survival Research Labs] is that technology can be used as an expressive medium… Not just means of production but as an artistic forum” His vision was for machines to not only speculate on human behavior but ultimately develop their own creative potentials.