Episode cover
Tamiko Thiel: part 2 - art at technology's edge
May 01, 2025 · 51 min

Today, the Spotlight again shines on media artist Tamiko Thiel, in the second of our two-part conversation.

In our first talk, we explored Tamiko's journey from designing the world's first AI supercomputer in the eighties to becoming a pioneering media artist. Today, we dive deeper into her groundbreaking work in virtual reality and other philosophical matters.

Tamiko's been creating immersive digital worlds since the mid-1990s when she worked with Steven Spielberg on a virtual space for seriously ill children. We'll talk about her project, Beyond Manzanar, which became the first VR artwork purchased by a major American museum, and how she uses emerging technologies to address political and environmental issues.

Dig Deeper

Visit Tamiko Thiel at tamikothiel.comFollow Tamiko Thiel on BlueskyInstagram, and LinkedInBeyond ManzanarBeyond Manzanar (demo)Starbright – VR Playscape For Hospitalized KidsZara HoushmandJapanese Americans at Manzanar“Moving a Body through Space”: An Interview with Tamiko ThielAI Causes Real Harm. Let’s Focus on That over the End-of-Humanity HypeDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com

• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.

• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on BlueskyMastodonYouTube, and LinkedIn.

• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.