Stelarc, born Stelios Arcadiou on July 15, 1946 in Limassol, Cyprus, is much more than just a performance artist. A pioneer of body cybernetics, he challenges the boundaries between human and machine. From his studies in visual arts at the 'University of Melbourne, Stelarc has shown an unwavering passion for exploring the interactions between the human body and new technologies. His career, marked by bold and often controversial performances, inspires both admiration and profound questions about the future of humanity.

Radical performances that redefine the human body

Stelarc is world-renowned for his extreme performances that push the boundaries of bodily perception. One of his most iconic works, "Third Ear" (1996) , shocked the world by introducing an artificial ear onto his own arm. It was not a simple prosthesis, but a true organic extension of his body, symbolizing a new era of body modification. Another of his performances, "Exoskeleton" (2007) , illustrates the fusion between the human body and robotics through a six-legged walking machine, capable of movements that transcend human capabilities.

Figure 1. Third ear: He took some cartilage tissue from his own rib cage, used it to grow a left ear, then inserted it into his skin to encourage tissue growth and blood vessel formation to integrate this "third ear" into his body.

Technology at the heart of art: When the body becomes an interface?

Beyond his most visible works, Stelarc integrates advanced technologies such as robotics, the Internet, and virtual reality to explore the future of human-machine symbiosis. In “Ping Body” (1996–2007) , Stelarc connected his body to Internet networks, allowing remote users to manipulate his movements in real time. These experiments raise fundamental questions about how bodies might evolve, dematerialize, or reinvent themselves in the digital age.

Figure 2. Exoskeleton: A six-legged pneumatic walking machine was constructed for the body. The locomotor, with a wave-like or tripod-like motion, moves forward, backward, laterally, and turns on the spot. It can also squat and stand up by spreading or contracting its legs.

The Impact of Sterlac: When Art and Science Intertwine

Stelarc’s impact extends far beyond the art world. His performances encourage us to rethink the limits of bodily identity in a world where technology is becoming increasingly invasive. His writings and lectures, of great philosophical scope, encourage reflection on the cultural and ethical implications of his works. Stelarc’s influence on contemporary art and science is undeniable, pushing researchers and artists to explore new avenues where the boundary between the natural and the artificial becomes blurred.