Catherine Richards

Catherine Richards is a prominent Canadian visual artist born in nineteen fifty. She is renowned for her innovative use of information technologies and electronic media, which she incorporates into her mixed-media installations and performances. Her artistic exploration delves into the 'archaeology' of media, examining concepts such as virtuality and the metaphorical implications of electronic media, as well as the intricate 'separation of the senses'.

Richards' work critically investigates the boundaries of the human body, particularly in relation to electromagnetic fields. In an era where networked technologies blur these boundaries, her art makes visible the often-invisible infrastructures that surround contemporary bodies, from wireless signals to high-voltage currents.

Rooted in collaborative and interdisciplinary projects, Richards addresses significant themes such as perception, immersion, and isolation. She has been recognized as one of the pioneering artists in Canada to engage with virtual reality, pushing the limits of how technology interacts with the human experience.

Her artistic practice is deeply informed by early influences in media theory and the philosophies of technology. Notable figures such as Marshall McLuhan, Harold Innis, and George Grant have shaped her perspective, alongside the writings of Paul Virilio, Jean Baudrillard, and Gilles Deleuze. Additionally, she draws inspiration from the historical Russian avant-garde, further enriching her artistic narrative.