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Swimmers and the Screaming Head (2009)

Two intermedial digital performance works created at the Banff New Media Institute, Canada, in 2009, as part of the competitive peer selected international residency ‘Liminal Screen’

Two intermedial digital performance works created at the Banff New Media Institute, Canada, in 2009, as part of the competitive peer selected international residency ‘Liminal Screen’; a co-production residency between the selected artist and BNMI. This prestigious artist in residency was part funded by the Canadian Cultural Fund $1328 cad, and discretionary funds gained as a result of the 2008 AHRC award.

The primary aim of this research was to examine ways in which we can bring the image on screen into a closer relationship with reality. My personal undertaking examined the possibility of creating non-linear, sensor triggered, responsive performers using multiple choice selection processes designed with Max MSP.

Swimmers was an attempt to create more spontaneity between the actual performer and the digital double by using methods of chance. The result was a performance in nine scenes that were randomly selected by computer. The Screaming Head was a motion triggered (using Nintendo Wii) characterful responsive performer, programmed to respond from a bank of pre-recorded phrases. Both works introduced random programming devices into the development and mechanisms of display. This new technique led directly to the creation of two further installed video works, HubM3 (2010) and South Hill Park Gallery (2011)