In a live performance, the medium of expression is 3d space. Performance artists use a variety tools to pass around packets of 3d information to get their messages across, whether it be fireworks, actors crossing on stage, flood lights, or a simple movement of the hand. By weeding, grooming, and polishing this information, performance artists can create arrangements of information that are expressive and emotionally evocative.
The following projects use technology to embed digital 3d information into various spaces. By integrating technology into the creation process, these projects are the testing grounds for new tools, new forms of expression, and, hopefully, new types of experience.
The Market Value of Monkeys and Robots
In theater, characters are defined by how they interact with the world around them. Strong characters are built by creating strong relationships with sets, props, and other characters. A character with strong relationships has a stage presence and can have a stronger handle on the audience’s attention.
The goal of this project is to make a digital actor with a strong stage presence. Through the use of choreography, the digital character has agency over real world objects and can build relationship with other real world actors.
The first video is a sketch of the idea in a scale model box of a set. The second is a workshop performance of the concept.
Vapor Phantoms
Your computer mouse tracks your hand in 2d space. Your monitor spits this information back out at you with a cursors – a dot of light – that moves across the screen.
In this project, a computer tracks the movement of an audience member’s hand in 3d space. This computer then uses this information to control a set of 12 moving head lights to create a 3d visual feedback system.
The first video is a sketch of the idea, explaining how it works technically. The second video is the live performance of the working technology.
