Science Fiction Author and Futurist Bruce Sterling to Keynote SIGGRAPH 2004 Conference.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SIGGRAPH 2004

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2004

World-renowned science fiction author and futurist Bruce Sterling presents the SIGGRAPH 2004 keynote address, "When Blobjects Rule the Earth," at the 31st International Conference on Computer Graphics & Interactive Techniques, 8-12 August 2004 in Los Angeles. Sterling will speculate on the future of graphic simulation when practical differences no longer exist between computer-generated models and physical, manufactured objects.

"At a time when the SIGGRAPH community is expanding our modes of seeing and interacting with the world, it is appropriate that a futurist and visionary opens the conference. Sterling's work both invents and uncovers new realities," said Dena Slothower, SIGGRAPH 2004 Conference Chair from Stanford University. "Drawing from his expert understanding of media and technology, Sterling's vision will intrigue and engage conference attendees across all industries and interests."

Bruce Sterling is the author of nine novels, three of which were selected as the New York Times Notable Books of the Year; The Difference Engine (co-written with William Gibson), The Hacker Crackdown and most recently, Tomorrow Now. His short stories appeared in the collection Crystal Express, Globalhead and in the Japanese Collection Semi no Jo-o. He also has appeared on multiple global media/broadcasting networks including ABC's Nightline, CBC's Morningside, and MTV.

Sterling was one of the founders of the "Cyberpunk" movement in the 1980's that used science fiction as a means for bringing cyberspace and virtual reality to the forefront. This movement along with his interest for industrial design and his growing concern regarding global climate change caused him to launch the Viridian Design Movement - an effort to advance environmental awareness through revolutionary art and design. The results of the Viridian Design Movement include two magazines, new graphics and fonts, a web site, a weblog, and a number of significant design projects.

Sterling remains active in producing additional novels, short stories, journalism pieces, speeches, web sites, weblog posts, and email screeds. He resides in Austin, Texas with his wife and two daughters.

Nearly 25,000 computer graphics and interactive technology professionals from six continents will gather at SIGGRAPH 2004 to showcase their best work to a multi-disciplinary international community. A comprehensive technical program and special events focusing on research, art, animation, games, interactivity, and the web are planned. SIGGRAPH 2004 includes a three-day exhibition of products and services for the computer graphics and interactive marketplace from 10-12 August 2004.

SIGGRAPH 2004 is sponsored by ACM SIGGRAPH, the leading professional society for computer graphics and interactive techniques. Information on ACM SIGGRAPH membership and other conferences and activities can be found at www.siggraph.org.