DANMite,Installation Design for DANM MFA Thesis Show at Emergence 2007
The visuals are generated entirely by the gamelan instruments and the Gamelan Lumina (programmed in MAX/MSP/Jitter); and projected from the three vantage points situated around the 360 degree projection surface.
- During musical performance, visuals are an inherent part of the musical improvisation--with the gamelan instruments acting as sound and visual generators. Live motion capture video also plays a part in the performance, with musicians and other physical performance determining the video mix, creating a 360 degree new media shadow play.
- During times when a musical performance is not happening, the visuals projected will be controlled by the viewer--introducing many to their first physical contact with both the venerated gamelan instruments themselves, as well as interactive new media techniques.
The visual materials broken down into their three component parts:
A) Natural Landscapes, seemingly pristine and those affected by humans
B) Computer Waste/the "Recyling" that actually goes on with it
C) The audience generates their own 'mix' of A+B, using their bodies, the surveillence camera and the Lumina.
The viewer is invited into the ring to physically experience their role in the interplay between the above mentioned elements, by moving the body in front of the camera and playing with the gamelan instruments which control the video effects.
The mixture of these three elements creates a metaphor that addresses the viewer's conscious role in managing the balance between maintaining the beauty of our natural environment and the waste generated by our society's growing dependence on technology and its commodification.
On the surface, our dependence on technology is attractive, but the underlying layers that are a result of this dependence are made up of an increasing amount of toxic electronic waste.
The installation's cushions are also an attempt to bring the viewer closer to thinking about the level of comfort we have grown to assume.
The cushions which provide a seating area to view the installation are filled with recycled materials collected over a six month period and also found on site in the DMF's recycling bins.
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