At first, it could have been called “Extra Ear on Head,” but it was discovered to not be a very safe location and no doctors were willing to surgically assist with its realization. Then, Stelarc‘s “Extra Ear: ¼ Scale” was created, but a life-size model wasn’t possible using the desired biodegradable material. Later, the forearm was chosen for the ear’s location because it was smooth and thin making it easier to work with and providing a more plausible location ergonomically. Setbacks occurred after the surgical procedures over the years, but the structure of the ear was finally created using a Medpor scaffold and a suctioning of the surrounding skin as a cover that would determine it’s final ear shape. During a following procedure, a tiny microphone was inserted in the new “ear” and tested quite successfully as a wireless transmitter, but unfortunately, a few weeks later, it had to be removed because a very serious infection developed. Currently, the microphone has yet to be planted, but further surgeries are intended to bring this about so as to make it “Internet-enabled” as an extended operational system.
For “Ear On Arm,” a bodily structure has been replicated, relocated and soon, rewired for alternate capabilities. Stelarc was unable to appear to accept his Golden Nica for Hybrid Art because he had injured his non-ear arm (seems very strange saying this) in a “sporting accident,” so communication and award acceptance was presented through his “Second Life” avatar. The first two short videos are showing just a part of his discussion through “Second Life.” The third short shows parts of the surgery and successful demonstration of the inserted microphone. The Man With Three Ears is a longer video (ca. 14 min.) showing Stelarc preparing for a retrospective of his work at the Centre des Arts in Paris.
(thanks to Stelarc and motherboard.tv)