Lionel Ringenbach

Lionel Ringenbach is an independent creative technologist, artist, and Research Assistant in the Metacreation Lab for Creative AI at Simon Fraser University. Operating under the moniker Ucodia, a contraction of Code and Utopia, he transitioned to a full-time artistic career after 15 years in software engineering. At the Metacreation Lab, his research and technical contributions focus heavily on advancing generative systems, including his work on Autolume.

His work bridges the gap between digital algorithms and the physical world. By using machines and hardware to demystify the technology that surrounds us, Lionel seeks to tease curiosity and engage the public in critical self-reflection. His practice is rooted in revealing technology's most subtle mechanisms, aiming to inform and empower audiences to navigate the digital landscape with understanding rather than apprehension.

Lionel’s interactive installations and creative coding works have been shared in numerous contexts. Notably, he exhibited Alpha Prism, a generative AI portrait installation utilizing Autolume, at the Wosk Center for Dialogue. Beyond interactive hardware, his critical inquiry takes the form of research projects like Wattsup, an initiative to monitor and interpret AI infrastructure energy usage, which he developed and presented during an artist residency at MUTEK.