Work samples
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“he had found an unknown bivalve, forming a new genus,” (2025) (exceprt)
“he had found an unknown bivalve, forming a new genus,” (2025) An artificially intelligent robotic sculpture of reanimated oyster shells. This is part of my work in “necrobotics,” which is the use of dead organisms as robots to perform tasks. Title taken from Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Gold-Bug,” a tale of two men — a formerly enslaved black man and a white man who has lost all of his money — who use biological specimen collecting and code-breaking in a search for upward economic class mobility via buried pirate treasure.
Medium: Necrobotics, live code, artificial intelligence, electronics, motors, light, sound, oyster shells collected from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area
Dimensions: 22” x 10” x 8”
Duration: Variable -
And its hero, the Conqueror Worm (exceprt)
“And its hero, the Conqueror Worm” (2025) An artificially intelligent wearable necrobotic light sculpture based on the parasitic marine worm Polydora websteri that attacks oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. The title is taken from Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Conqueror Worm,” a poem about musical theatre and death that is described as having been written by the title character of Poe’s “Ligeia,” a scientist and mathematician who writes the poem just before she dies and returns from the dead.
Medium: Robotics, live code, artificial intelligence, electronics, motors, light, sound
Dimensions: Variable, wearable sculpture here is about 9” x 12” x 5”
Duration: Variable
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I will enclose the MS. in a bottle, and cast it within the sea (excerpt)
“I will enclose the MS. in a bottle, and cast it within the sea” (2025) Title taken from Edgar Allan Poe’s “MS. Found in a Bottle,” first published in 1833. Poe’s “MS.” is a “manuscript;” here “MS.” can be mechanical magical magnetic sea slug slime.
Medium: Glass bottle, ferrohydrodynamics, electromagnets, code, artificial intelligence, electronics, light, sound
Dimensions: 17” x 7” x 7”
Duration: Variable -
Deep Rituals, Robotic Rebellion (excerpt)
“Deep Rituals, Robotic Rebellion” (2025) Live-coded performance featuring an artificially intelligent lab coat that listens, learns, lights up in reaction, and remembers, as well as spiraling video projection of marine biology and human hybrids based on the “phenakistiscope,” an early pre-film animation device. The work is based in part on the work of Assistant Professor Allison Tracy from the University System of Maryland’s Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, as well as on Edgar Allan Poe’s tales of sea-faring science and the supernatural, including depictions of necromancers creating mechanical sea monsters.
Medium: Live code, video projection, sound, lab coat, LED lights, custom code, artificial intelligence
Dimensions: Variable
Duration: 2 hours
About Eric
Eric Millikin uses marine biology, occult rituals, hacktivist robotics, artificial intelligence, and extended reality as strategies for alchemical societal transformation and fighting wealth supremacy. Millikin comes from a working-class family, creating techno-occult artwork while growing up in a mobile home down by the river in the dark woods of rural Michigan. A first-generation college graduate and National Merit Scholar, he earned his BFA from Michigan State University. He has worked as… more
he had found an unknown bivalve, forming a new genus
“he had found an unknown bivalve, forming a new genus,” (2025) An artificially intelligent robotic sculpture of reanimated oyster shells. This is part of my work in “necrobotics,” which is the use of dead organisms as robots to perform tasks. Title taken from Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Gold-Bug,” a tale of two men — a formerly enslaved black man and a white man who has lost all of his money — who use biological specimen collecting and code-breaking in a search for upward economic class mobility via buried pirate treasure. The sculpture listens, learns, remmbers, responds, and slowly forgets.
Medium: Necrobotics, live code, artificial intelligence, electronics, motors, light, sound, oyster shells collected from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area
Dimensions: 22” x 10” x 8”
Duration: Variable
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he had found an unknown bivalve, forming a new genus
“he had found an unknown bivalve, forming a new genus,” (2025) An artificially intelligent robotic sculpture of reanimated oyster shells. This is part of my work in “necrobotics,” which is the use of dead organisms as robots to perform tasks. Title taken from Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Gold-Bug,” a tale of two men — a formerly enslaved black man and a white man who has lost all of his money — who use biological specimen collecting and code-breaking in a search for upward economic class mobility via buried pirate treasure.
Medium: Necrobotics, live code, artificial intelligence, electronics, motors, light, sound, oyster shells collected from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area
Dimensions: 22” x 10” x 8”
Duration: Variable
And its hero, the Conqueror Worm
“And its hero, the Conqueror Worm” (2025) An artificially intelligent wearable necrobotic light sculpture based on the parasitic marine worm Polydora websteri that attacks oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. The title is taken from Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Conqueror Worm,” a poem about musical theatre and death that is described as having been written by the title character of Poe’s “Ligeia,” a scientist and mathematician who writes the poem just before she dies and returns from the dead.
Medium: Robotics, live code, artificial intelligence, electronics, motors, light, sound
Dimensions: Variable, wearable sculpture here is about 9” x 12” x 5”
Duration: Variable
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And its hero, the Conqueror Worm
“And its hero, the Conqueror Worm” (2025) An artificially intelligent wearable necrobotic light sculpture based on the parasitic marine worm Polydora websteri that attacks oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. The title is taken from Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Conqueror Worm,” a poem about musical theatre and death that is described as having been written by the title character of Poe’s “Ligeia,” a scientist and mathematician who writes the poem just before she dies and returns from the dead.
Medium: Robotics, live code, artificial intelligence, electronics, motors, light, sound
Dimensions: Variable, wearable sculpture here is about 9” x 12” x 5”
Duration: Variable
I will enclose the MS. in a bottle, and cast it within the sea
“I will enclose the MS. in a bottle, and cast it within the sea” (2025) Title taken from Edgar Allan Poe’s “MS. Found in a Bottle,” first published in 1833. Poe’s “MS.” is a “manuscript;” here “MS.” can be mechanical magical magnetic sea slug slime.
Medium: Glass bottle, ferrohydrodynamics, electromagnets, code, artificial intelligence, electronics, light, sound
Dimensions: 17” x 7” x 7”
Duration: Variable
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I will enclose the MS. in a bottle, and cast it within the sea
“I will enclose the MS. in a bottle, and cast it within the sea” (2025) Title taken from Edgar Allan Poe’s “MS. Found in a Bottle,” first published in 1833. Poe’s “MS.” is a “manuscript;” here “MS.” can be mechanical magical magnetic sea slug slime.
Medium: Glass bottle, ferrohydrodynamics, electromagnets, code, artificial intelligence, electronics, light, sound
Dimensions: 17” x 7” x 7”
Duration: Variable
Deep Rituals, Robotic Rebellion
“Deep Rituals, Robotic Rebellion” (2025) Live-coded wearable sculpture for performance featuring an artificially intelligent lab coat that listens, learns, lights up in reaction, and remembers, as well as spiraling video projection of marine biology and human hybrids based on the “phenakistiscope,” an early pre-film animation device. The work is based in part on the work of Assistant Professor Allison Tracy from the University System of Maryland’s Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, as well as on Edgar Allan Poe’s tales of sea-faring science and the supernatural, including depictions of necromancers creating mechanical sea monsters.
Medium: Live code, video projection, sound, lab coat, LED lights, custom code, artificial intelligence
Dimensions: Variable
Duration: 2 hours
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Deep Rituals, Robotic Rebellion
“Deep Rituals, Robotic Rebellion” (2025) Live-coded wearable sculpture for performance featuring an artificially intelligent lab coat that listens, learns, lights up in reaction, and remembers, as well as spiraling video projection of marine biology and human hybrids based on the “phenakistiscope,” an early pre-film animation device. The work is based in part on the work of Assistant Professor Allison Tracy from the University System of Maryland’s Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, as well as on Edgar Allan Poe’s tales of sea-faring science and the supernatural, including depictions of necromancers creating mechanical sea monsters.
Medium: Live code, video projection, sound, lab coat, LED lights, custom code, artificial intelligence
Dimensions: Variable
Duration: 2 hours
Evolving Cities: Architecture of Transformation
“Evolving Cities: Architecture of Transformation” (2024) features new systems for reimagining cities, based on my own dreams as well as the dreams of artificial intelligences I’ve created. Each location is loosely based on cities where I have lived: Richmond, Virginia; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; and my hometown of Lyons, Michigan (population 763). These landscapes constantly rebuild themselves for new magical futures.
Medium: Custom code, artificial intelligence, ultra wide format 7-channel video projection installation and ultra wide stereo sound installation inside corporate financial space
Dimensions: Variable, here 5 feet tall x 111 feet wide
Duration: Infinite
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Evolving Cities: Architecture of Transformation
“Evolving Cities: Architecture of Transformation” (2024) features new systems for reimagining cities, based on my own dreams as well as the dreams of artificial intelligences I’ve created. Each location is loosely based on cities where I have lived: Richmond, Virginia; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; and my hometown of Lyons, Michigan (population 763). These landscapes constantly rebuild themselves for new magical futures.
Medium: Custom code, artificial intelligence, ultra wide format 7-channel video projection installation and ultra wide stereo sound installation inside corporate financial space
Dimensions: Variable, here 5 feet tall x 111 feet wide
Duration: Infinite
Evolving Cities: Architecture of Time
“Evolving Cities: Architecture of Time” (2024) Part of a series of 3D lenticular prints of mutating evolving cities, based on my own dreams as well as the dreams of artificial intelligences I’ve created. Each location is loosely based on cities where I have lived: Richmond, Virginia; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; and my hometown of Lyons, Michigan (population 763).
Medium: 3D lenticular print, custom code, artificial intelligence
Dimensions: 36” x 24”
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Evolving Cities: Architecture of Time
“Evolving Cities: Architecture of Time” (2024) Part of a series of 3D lenticular prints of mutating evolving cities, based on my own dreams as well as the dreams of artificial intelligences I’ve created. Each location is loosely based on cities where I have lived: Richmond, Virginia; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; and my hometown of Lyons, Michigan (population 763).
Medium: 3D lenticular print, custom code, artificial intelligence
Dimensions: 36” x 24”
Augmented Ocean
“Augmented Ocean” (2024) Large-scale augmented reality mural, created with custom-coded AI trained on marine biology, historical occult symbols, and my rejected corporate illustration projects. This project explores apocalyptical flooding from more than human vantage points, artificial intelligence as predictive divination, and augmented reality for mutation and metamorphosis.
Medium: Large-format vinyl print, custom artificial intelligence, augmented reality, viewers’ smart phones
Dimensions: 50” x 200”
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Augmented Ocean
“Augmented Ocean” (2024) Large-scale augmented reality mural, created with custom-coded AI trained on marine biology, historical occult symbols, and my rejected corporate illustration projects. This project explores apocalyptical flooding from more than human vantage points, artificial intelligence as predictive divination, and augmented reality for mutation and metamorphosis.
Medium: Large-format vinyl print, custom artificial intelligence, augmented reality, viewers’ smart phones
Dimensions: 50” x 200”
Alchemical/Elemental: no evidence against me but the specter evidences
“Alchemical/Elemental: no evidence against me but the specter evidences” (2024) A sculptural installation as a time-based exploration into how occult alchemical transmutation could be a strategy for social change. The video reflection system is based on the “Pepper's Ghost” illusion from Victorian-era stage shows. The title is taken from Rebecca Eames’ petition for a pardon while in Salem Prison after being convicted of witchcraft.
Medium: Custom artificial intelligence, polycarbonate sculptures, reflections from monitor
Dimensions: 13” x 44” x 26”
Duration: Infinite
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Alchemical/Elemental: no evidence against me but the specter evidences
“Alchemical/Elemental: no evidence against me but the specter evidences” (2024) A sculptural installation as a time-based exploration into how occult alchemical transmutation could be a strategy for social change. The video reflection system is based on the “Pepper's Ghost” illusion from Victorian-era stage shows. The title is taken from Rebecca Eames’ petition for a pardon while in Salem Prison after being convicted of witchcraft.
Medium: Custom artificial intelligence, polycarbonate sculptures, reflections from monitor
Dimensions: 13” x 44” x 26”
Duration: Infinite
CHARYBDIS-3
“CHARYBDIS-3” (2021) is an infinitely spiraling video vortex, created by artificial intelligence trained on endangered species of Virginia, and projected on to a waterfall. The video zooms into the eyes and eye-like features of flora and fauna, mutating from one form of wildlife to another. This project uses computer vision, facial recognition, and machine learning to explore different ways humans might see and learn from other species. The vortex can be considered a possible portal to a different world, and an invitation to look deeper, from different perspectives, into Virginia’s threatened wildlife. This series is named after Charybdis, the whirlpool-creating creature from Greek mythology.
Medium: Artificial intelligence, custom code, video projection, waterfall
Dimensions: Variable
Duration: 9 minute 40 second loop
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CHARYBDIS-3
“CHARYBDIS-3” (2021) is an infinitely spiraling video vortex, created by artificial intelligence trained on endangered species of Virginia, and projected on to a waterfall. The video zooms into the eyes and eye-like features of flora and fauna, mutating from one form of wildlife to another. This project uses computer vision, facial recognition, and machine learning to explore different ways humans might see and learn from other species. The vortex can be considered a possible portal to a different world, and an invitation to look deeper, from different perspectives, into Virginia’s threatened wildlife. This series is named after Charybdis, the whirlpool-creating creature from Greek mythology.
Medium: Artificial intelligence, custom code, video projection, waterfall
Dimensions: Variable
Duration: 9 minute 40 second loop
Somnambulistic Autonomous Land-roving Enlightenment Machine
The robotic rover uses machine vision to move about the space, its movements based on its readings of two types of court documents from human beings in the year 1692: Those from the Salem Witch Trials court proceedings, and those from English playwright Ben Jonson’s Third Folio of performances for the lords and ladies of English royal court. While this robot makes its way through the documents, it laser projects an animated looping video created by an AI trained on the handwriting of the texts themselves, as well as common themes — birds and clockwork — found by a poetic programmatic data analysis of these two types of court papers. The points in this video documentation where you are looking directly into the projector are the points that the robot is projecting on your body and effectively spotlighting you.
Media: Robotic rover, artificial intelligence, custom code, laser video projection, documents
Dimensions: Variable
Duration: Infinite
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Somnambulistic Autonomous Land-roving Enlightenment Machine
The robotic rover uses machine vision to move about the space, its movements based on its readings of two types of court documents from human beings in the year 1692: Those from the Salem Witch Trials court proceedings, and those from English playwright Ben Jonson’s Third Folio of performances for the lords and ladies of English royal court. While this robot makes its way through the documents, it laser projects an animated looping video created by an AI trained on the handwriting of the texts themselves, as well as common themes — birds and clockwork — found by a poetic programmatic data analysis of these two types of court papers. The points in this video documentation where you are looking directly into the projector are the points that the robot is projecting on your body and effectively spotlighting you.
Media: Robotic rover, artificial intelligence, custom code, laser video projection, documents
Dimensions: Variable
Duration: Infinite