An electric motor, controlled by a programmed algorithm, periodically winds and unwinds a rope with a rag attached to its end. The monotonous motion and the rhythm of the dripping liquid transform an insignificant object into the center of attention.

The installation unfolds between the poles of up and down, weight and lightness, movement and stillness. The refined insignificance of the rag and the almost hypnotic repetition of its motion transform an ordinary gesture into an autonomous event.

Venelin Shurelov (b. 1977, Bulgaria) is a visual artist, scenographer, researcher, and Professor at the National Academy of Art, Sofia.

He holds a PhD in Scenography (2009) from the National Academy of Art. He is co-founder and Professor of the MA programme Digital Arts (2008–), co-founder, curator and technical director of DA Fest – International Digital Art Festival (2009–), and co-founder of DA LAB Foundation (2018–). Founder of Automatic Gallery (2025–). He founded SubHuman Theatre (2004–) and was a member of the international art collective Via Pontica (2002–2005).

His artistic practice spans interactive installation, performance, kinetic sculpture, digital media, and scenography. Selected works include Drawing Machine (2005), Fantomat (2008), Orthoman (2009), Tabula Rasa (2010), Man Ex Machina (2011), Shooting Gallery (2012), Rotor (2016), presented at Ars Electronica Center, Linz, Post-Everything (Towson University, USA, 2016), and One Person – Urban Electronic Corpus (2020).

His work investigates the relationships between human and technological systems, automation, performativity, and contemporary mythologies. Combining physical objects, algorithmic processes, interactive environments, and speculative narratives, his projects explore the shifting boundaries between the human, the technological, and the institutional.

Shurelov has presented numerous solo exhibitions, performances, stage designs, and collaborative projects across Europe and the United States. His work has received multiple awards in both contemporary art and theatre.

He lives and works in Sofia, Bulgaria.

www.subhumantheatre.com