What’s d/Lux?
Tara: We started off as an experimental film organization during the boom of Super 8 [8 mm film] in the early 80s, but over the years we became something called an inter-media network, which then incorporated videos and online art. We evolved into d/Lux when interactive art began being shown more regularly in Australia.

How did this exhibition come about?
Tara: We identified the need for this kind of show to introduce new audiences to new media in a way that’s easy to understand. This is supported by online materials and the exhibition.
Carolyn: Portraiture in Australia is so popular. Every year, there’s a big portraiture prize called the Archibald, which is a huge event that gets so much press and often it’s the only time people go to art galleries. It’s interesting to see portraiture in a completely different medium.\

Who are some of the artists?
Tara: We’ve got the most notorious Stelarc, an international artists well-known for his “meat hook” performances. He has an interactive work which is a large omnipresent head that you can talk to. Other artists include John Tonkin and Daniel Crooks.

This is a touring exhibition. Where have you been so far?
Tara: We started touring regionally in 2008. This is actually our first time abroad. The tour is scheduled to travel to Singapore and Manila and potentially Delhi.

What’s unique about this exhibition?
Tara: It’s about re-conceptualizing the portrait and looking into different ways people perceive themselves. It breaks down the barrier between the 2-D and the virtual and the real. And in the exhibition, you also see yourself. You get to interact with the artwork and become part of the portrait in a way.
Carolyn: It’s also very timely, too, with references to avatars and how many people have an avatar in some form on the internet like Facebook or Second Life. It’s very socially relevant.

What’s next for d/Lux?
Tara: We’re looking at producing a GPS-based, locative media story based in Sydney’s Chinatown in February. We’ll be creating an iPhone app. People will be able to download and take it around a particular locality. We know people like to be drawn into things with a story. It’s a way of interacting with history and visiting a locality.
Carolyn: People are loving iPhone apps. They can never get enough. Who knows, we might work with a Thai phone company and develop a similar thing for Thailand.

Carolyn McKay & Tara Morelos with her d/Lux at Face to Face: Portraiture in a Digital Age Exhibition