Title: |
Whisper |
Artist(s): |
Thecla Shiphorst,
Susan Kozel
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Brief description of the work: |
Participatory
biofeedback installation that uses Galvanic Skin Response and pulse
data to project responsive visuals and to allow for interaction with
other players |
Materials, dimensions, duration: |
Room
sized installation, various projectors, coats with integrated wireless
sensors, programming, |
Location (venue & dates, public/ private):
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Ongoing project,
exhibited at "Respond" festival Cambridge as work in progress,
April 2003 |
Audience information (size, mode of participation): |
Visitors to
'Respond' entered the Cambridge Drama Centre to find an open interaction
space where up to six participants could either observe their visualised
data or connect to one another and observe how data merged with each
other. |
Other information (reviews, collaborators, funders): |
Supported
by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs of the City of Rotterdam, the
Ministry of Culture, Luna Internet, the Canada Council for the Arts |
Floorplan, scheme:
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Visual/ audio-visual reference: |
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Key theme(s): |
Social play;
immersive play; intense engagement with a body; observing externalised
internal processes; self-observation feeds back into improvisation |
Further context: |
The role of the participant is simple and inclusive. Small wireless
devices are fitted to participants to collect live data such as
heart rate or breathing. The devices track the wearers' position
in space while creating sound and image samples from their bio data.
These are represented as graphic symbols, projected onto the floor
of the space. Each participant is allocated a distinctively coloured
symbol for individuality and identification. The data received from
the body continuously updates and changes the shape.
Both biodata sources neither require a decision on the part of
the performer, nor can they be stopped. Thus it feels as if the
artists are tapping into the subconscious activities of one's body,
beyond the participants' control. Although the body cannot enter
the virtual space participants become very aware of its basic functions,
and try to increase their virtual presence by physically connecting
with other participants, or increasing their heart rate by rapid
physical movement, and deep breathing.
Whisper "...reflects the awareness that our bodies are subtly
evolving maps of our identities and our lives. Whisper excavates
the invisible, is a search for lost things." (http://lab.v2.nl/projects/whisper.html
)
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