A soap bubble usually remains stable for only a few moments – it is a perfectly formed sphere with an iridescent surface that reflects its surroundings. As one of the classical symbols of vanity, the soap bubble traditionally stands for the transience of the moment and the fragility of life. The Long Now approaches the soap bubble from a contemporary perspective with reference to its chemical and physical properties as well as recent scientific and technological developments. The Long Now is aimed at extending the lifespan of a soap bubble, or even to preserve it forever. Using an improved formula, a machine generates a bubble, sends it to a chamber with a controlled atmosphere and keeps it there in suspension for as long as poss The project is presented in the form of an experimental set-up in which the newly created soap bubble oscillates permanently between fragility and stability.

Realised within the framework of EMARE Move On at OBORO’s New Media Lab and a residency at Rustines|Lab, Perte de Signal, both in Montreal. With support of the European Commission, the Goethe Institut, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and FACT

German artist creating time-based installations in which organic, electronic, and sculptural   media   come   into   play.   Furthermore, Verena Friedrich is interested in direct interaction with scientists and hands-on work in various laboratories. She was an artist in residence at SymbioticA – Centre of Excellence in Biological Arts at the University of Western Australia and at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, in Cologne Germany. Verena Friedrich´s projects have been presented internationally in the context of exhibitions, media art festivals and conferences. She received the International Media Award for Science and Art from ZKM Karlsruhe 2005 ; a special mention in the VIDA Art and Artificial Life Awards ; an honorary mention in the Prix Ars Electronica 2015, a jury mention in the Japan Media Arts Festival 2015 and the Transitio_MX Festival award in 2017. In recent years, she has been teaching at the University of Art and Design, Offenbach, and the Bauhaus University Weimar, both in Germany. Together with two other colleagues, she is currently running the exMedia Lab (her focus being on DIY technologies, biological and ecological arts) at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne.