ZERO1: The Art & Technology Network

Zero1 Garage hosted the L.A.S.T. festival (
) on June 6/​7, 2014 It’s definitely worth checking out the exhibition. This is mainly for reference, for people thinking about attending next year.
There were 5 installations that I found most interesting:
1. «Attraction/​Repulsion: Longwave»: A small robot travels around inside a small «drawing arena», mostly bouncing off the walls:
It has a sharpie pen, which traces out a drawing as it goes. Microphones are setup that allows participants to vary the path of the robot, by speaking into the microphones. Certain intonations cause the robot to change its trajectory.
2. «Biosensing Garden»: A hydroponic system waters some hanging plants, as well as a small garden of edibles:
The watering mechanism consists of an inkjet-​printer-​like mechanism that drip the water at various positions across the top area of the plexiglass, which causes the water to drip strategically onto the hanging plants /​garden below through holes in the glass. The entire setup is controlled by a fitbit; if you meet your exercise goals of the week, then the watering system keeps the plants healthy, and available for you to harvest each day during meal time. Otherwise, the plants die.
3. «Co-​related space»:
It’s a room with two laser light show controllers, positioned a few feet off the floor. A webcam detects the position of people in the room, and the lasers draw out circular shapes around the feet of participants, plus curves that connect the circles. As people move around the room, the circles can merge/​divide, sort of like bubbles.
4. «Samadhi»: mechanized Hindu and Buddhist instruments:
5. A Kinect/​video projection system that allows you to draw particle flares with your hand:
Other exhibits that were interesting but not must-​see:
«SoundPool»: a musical string instrument:
«Vigil»: You attach an iDevice to your arm, which detects motion/​rotation, and draws lines that interpret the result:
Qi-​Visualizer:
It uses the heart rate monitor of an iDevice to sense your Qi, then turn that into a visualization, which is displayed by a video projector.
«Coactive systems»:
Devices that emit light from bioluminescent plankton, in response to human interaction. There was a setup in a totally dark room: you spoke into a microphone, which caused bubbles to percolate through a flask of plankton, which caused them to emit an eerie green light.
Another Kinect/​video projection system that creates bubble distortions within the silhouettes of participants:
A video projection that interprets your brainwaves:
An fully-​immersive, interactive video projection system:
During the exhibition, there was a performance artist interacting with both participants and the exhibits:
The Exhibits were not without glitches:
But overall, definitely worth attending, especially since it was free.

Zero1 is an art gallery with tech innovations, which honestly is not really something I understand. I came here on a First Friday, which is an event this place continually participates in, and after leaving Anno Domini this place caught me off guard. It was not what I was expecting at all.
I love the garage space, it’s very open and large, and definitely a good space for shows and exhibits. The front desk has very friendly people working there.
I’m giving this place only 4 out of 5 because though the space is gorgeous, I did not enjoy tonight’s exhibit at all. It just seemed to be a few flow charts and a PowerPoint and I did not get what it was about.
The exhibits rotate so hopefully next time I visit, the art will be more up my alley.

I had the chance to visit ZERO1 via a VIP soirée for Cinequest thanks to Unilocal!This place is definitely for the modern artsy people with an eclectic taste. I love almost the exhibits are interactive so that’s definitely a plus for me! My favorite was actually the ladder rope couches, they were quite comfy! Come check this place out for some eclectic art fun!

I went to a private event here before a film festival and had a blast! The venue was very unique and definitely catered well to the artsy and ecclectic crowd in attendance. I loved how almost all of the artwork was interactive which made it more of an experience opposed to a museum. Overall, a great venue space that provides an edgier feel.

What a great Art Gallery. We came here for a Unilocal event, it was spacious, clean and the art was nice. I really liked Zero1 for the videos they had in the back corner. It was personal, meaningful and educational. Only downside is this was hard to find around 6:00 PM at night but luckily they are open when the suns still out.

Thanks Abby for showing us Unilocalers another cool hidden spot in San Jose!
My review for the YEE @Cinequest will be separate, but I do feel obligated to write about ZERO1 separate of the event.
I know nothing about art. I know even less about technology. So when ZERO1 combine the two, you bet that I will be the last one to race here with open arms, and if I do, I will have no idea what I’m doing.
So as I’m standing there, swirling my glass of white wine, a young dapper of a gentleman who works for Zero1, comes up and asks me a few questions about what I though about one of the art displays.
My wine-​swirling wasn’t fooling anyone as I answered with half mumbled, came-​out-​of-​my-​ass words, and he stared at me with askew-​ed eyes, questioning my (non-​existent) credibility.
I collect myself quickly, ask HIM what exactly I was looking at, and he proceeded to elaborate eloquently on the inspiration, purpose, and design of the piece.
I quickly thank him, bid him adieu, and walk back to the food table-​something this Unilocaler knows how to do so well!
But in all seriousness, ZERO1 is a great place, and I hope more people will find out about it and visit, especially those who have an eye for art and technology !

Had no idea ZERO1 Garage existed until this week… Anyone else been there before? Located in the SoFA neighborhood, it’s a collaborative space for art and technology. Being in the heart of Silicon Valley, the concept makes complete sense.
Yes, it’s definitely a garage. High ceilings, exposed pipes and metal everywhere, it’s definitely not a secret that this space is raw. But that’s the point. Ever-​rotating exhibits fit well here AND they have plenty of room for meetings and events. Very spacious, well-​lit. If blindfolded on the way there, you’d never know you were in downtown San Jose.
I was here for a presentation and didn’t have time for the full tour, but I will say that the gals running the space are warm and friendly. Even during a cold, drizzly winter afternoon, they were all smiles and welcoming. Not always the case with artists, but for the most part I find the San Jose arts community to be friendly folks for the most part.
This is a newer HQ for the Zero1 Biennial folks, with different exhibits, openings and even fellowships. I would highly suggest stopping by during FirstFridays or on your own time. Whether you are a tech geek (and I mean that in the most affectionate way) or have a mild appreciation for art, it wouldn’t hurt to learn more about their programs. I’ll definitely be back!
Unilocal Elite Event venue, anyone?