The Cultural Institute of Radical Contemporary Arts (CIRCA) in London commissions new ideas from emerging and established artists, broadcasting each day at 20:23 across a global network of screens. Throughout September, 30 artists will have their work exhibited on screens in London, Berlin and Milan.

The CIRCA PRIZE 2023 invited a global community of artists, performers, poets, activists, architects, gamers and filmmakers to respond to the CIRCA 20:23 manifesto, "Hope: The Art of Reading What Is Not Yet Written".

BugSim (Pheromone Spa), 2022

Theo Triantafyllidis

Through the lens of monster theory, I investigate themes of isolation, sexuality and violence in their visceral extremities. My practice offers computational humour and AI improvisation as a response to the tech industry’s agenda. I try to give back to the online and gaming communities that I consider both the inspiration and context for my work by remaining an active participant and contributor.

CIRCA: HOW IS YOUR PROJECT TIED TO THE THEME OF ‘HOPE‘?
BugSim (Pheromone Spa) is closely tied to the theme of ‘HOPE’. It presents a vision of the future of nature, highlighting the delicate balance between hope and despair in environmental repair and geoengineering. Through the immersive experience of observing a self-sustaining terrarium ecosystem, viewers are invited to contemplate the paradox of our relationship with the environment. The artwork conveys a dream vision where nature and human creations collaborate synergistically, seeking to repair their broken relationship. It evokes a sense of hope in the resilience and elegance of natural ecosystems, while also acknowledging the complexity and fragility that humans often overlook. Inspired by Gericault’s The Raft of the Medusa the work reflects the notion of “building the boat while sailing,” emphasising the urgency of taking action while simultaneously acknowledging the vastness of what has already been lost.

CIRCA: WHAT WOULD YOU CREATE/DO WITH THE £30K?
I would be able to develop my artistic practice and upcoming projects with greater focus and resources.

CIRCA: WHAT DOES ‘HOPE‘ MEAN TO YOU?
Believing that a single person can make a difference even against all odds.