Survival Research Laboratories: Celebrating 45 Years of Revolutionary Performance Art

This year, Survival Research Laboratories (SRL) proudly celebrates its 45th anniversary. Since its establishment in November 1978 by Mark Pauline, SRL has been a groundbreaking force in the world of performance art.

As an organization, SRL is unique. It brings together creative technicians dedicated to re-purposing the techniques, tools, and principles of industry, science, and the military, moving them away from their traditional roles in practicality, product creation, or warfare¹.

Over the past four and a half decades, SRL has pioneered the genre of large-scale mechanized performances. These are not your typical stage shows. Instead, they involve a fascinating array of machines, robots, and special effects devices interacting in carefully choreographed spectacles that offer incisive socio-political satire.

Since 1979, SRL has staged over 45 of these mechanized presentations across the United States and Europe. Each performance is a unique event, featuring a different combination of machines and robots that play out a distinct narrative. In these performances, humans are notably absent from the spotlight, present only as audience members or operators.

The visionary behind SRL, Mark Pauline, sees his creations as more than mere entertainment. His machines serve as a stark reminder of our mortality and the relentless march of technology. Yet, there’s also an element of defiance in his work. Pauline has spoken about how SRL provides an alternative use for what could potentially be instruments of warfare.

As it marks its 45th year, Survival Research Laboratories continues to challenge norms, push boundaries, and captivate audiences worldwide with its unique blend of art, technology, and social commentary, and is seeking venues and local support to help make future performances possible.

Sources:

1. SRL: About
2. Survival Research Laboratories – Wikipedia
3. Survival Research Labs – Instagram
4. Survival Research Labs – Animals Magazine
5. Survival Research Labs – Facebook
6. Interview with Survival Research Labs’ Mark Pauline – Artspace
7. Genuine Survival Research Labs – YouTube
8. Survival Research Labs: SRL
9. Survival Research Laboratories: A Dystopian Industrial Aesthetic – MDPI